Clarke University vs Luther College
Clarke University is a private university in Dubuque, IA, and Luther College is a private college in Decorah, IA. Both admit about 72% of applicants. Luther College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,097 a year against $24,479 at Clarke University. About 73% of students graduate at Luther College, compared with 56% at Clarke University. Ten years after enrolling, Luther College alumni earn a median of about $59,850, against $55,396 for Clarke University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Dubuque, IA
Decorah, IA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
742
1,379
Acceptance rate
72%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.47–3.97
SAT (middle 50%)
900–1160
1078–1406
ACT (middle 50%)
16–24
22–29
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,479
$23,097
Full cost / yr
$55,782
$65,461
In-state tuition
$40,910
$52,120
Out-of-state tuition
$40,910
$52,120
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,405
$12,517
$30k - $48k
$22,543
$12,835
$48k - $75k
$22,645
$19,351
$75k - $110k
$27,890
$22,204
Over $110k
$24,784
$29,376
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
73%
Freshman retention
67%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,157
$49,541
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,396
$59,850
Median debt at graduation
$26,717
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
20%
First-generation students
29%
13%
International students
11%
15%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Jan 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Clarke University or Luther College harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 72% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Clarke University or Luther College?
- Luther College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,097 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,479 at Clarke University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Clarke University and Luther College?
- Before aid, Clarke University costs about $55,782 a year and Luther College about $65,461. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Clarke University or Luther College?
- Luther College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,517 there, against about $23,405 at Clarke University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Clarke University or Luther College?
- Luther College is the larger of the two, with about 1,379 undergraduates against 742 at Clarke University.
- Does Clarke University or Luther College have a better graduation rate?
- Luther College has the higher graduation rate, at about 73% against 56% at Clarke University.
- Do graduates of Clarke University or Luther College earn more?
- Luther College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,850 ten years after enrolling, against about $55,396 for Clarke University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Clarke University and Luther College require SAT or ACT scores?
- Clarke University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Luther College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Clarke University and Luther College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 900–1160 at Clarke University and 1078–1406 at Luther College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school