ISU vs. Clarke University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois State University in Normal, IL with Clarke University in Dubuque, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois State University is larger than Clarke University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 962 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Clarke University is in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Clarke University 9:1.

ISU vs. Clarke University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Clarke University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Illinois State University than Clarke University ($21,369 vs. $26,725).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarke University are 0.2% lower than at Illinois State University ($11,734 vs. $11,754).
• Clarke University is 153.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $24,766 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45% higher at Clarke University than at Illinois State University (about $12,700 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarke University than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarke University students is 122.6% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($28,884 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Clarke University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or Clarke University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Clarke University and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 70 points higher than at Clarke University (1030).
• Incoming ISU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Clarke University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Clarke University 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Clarke University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Clarke University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Clarke University (3.36).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Clarke University (71.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 5.5% at Clarke University.

ISU vs. Clarke University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Clarke University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Clarke University's (60%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than Clarke University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $42,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Clarke University graduates ($22,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarke University graduates ($227 vs. $268).
• More Clarke University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ISU students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 74%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.