Clarke University
Dubuque, United States • Founded 1843
Overview
Founded in 1843, the Clarke University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Dubuque (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Iowa.
Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Clarke University (CU) is a very small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Clarke University (CU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 181-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
CU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Clarke University's physical location and the contact details prospective students typically need before applying or visiting. Channels listed below come from the institution's published profile.
Academic Details
The figures below cover Clarke University's academic scale, faculty depth, and recognised standing. Treat the enrolment count as a point-in-time snapshot; trends require multi-year comparison.
Programs Offered
Clarke University's programme catalogue is grouped by level below — use the filter to narrow your shortlist. Programme entry windows and admissions criteria typically appear on each programme's dedicated page.
Bachelor's Degree
31 programmes
Clarke University's 31 programmes at this tier lead to a bachelor's qualification, the first full degree most students pursue and the usual prerequisite for master's-level entry.
Social Work Social Work
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Psychology, General Psychology
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
History History
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Computer Software and Media Applications Digital Media & Game Development
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Mathematics Mathematics
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Chemistry Chemistry
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
3 programmes
Explore 3 programmes of postgraduate study at Clarke University. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Social Work Social Work
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Education, General Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
2 programmes
These 2 programmes make up Clarke University's doctoral catalogue, where candidates work closely with supervisors to produce publishable, original research.
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
2 programmes
These 2 programmes make up Clarke University's doctoral catalogue, where candidates work closely with supervisors to produce publishable, original research.
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
4 programmes
Alongside its degrees, Clarke University provides 4 programmes at associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation level, typically shorter and more applied in focus.
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Education, General Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Clarke University
Practical steps to apply to Clarke University, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Clarke University's catalogue includes 42 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Clarke University's admissions process.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Submit your application
Submit your completed application through Clarke University's official website at www.clarke.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (563) 588 6300. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Clarke University
Quick answers to the most common questions about Clarke University — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
When was Clarke University founded?
Clarke University was established in 1843 (approximately 183 years ago).
Where can I find Clarke University?
The institution is located in Dubuque, United States.
Is Clarke University public or private?
Clarke University is a private institution.
How many students does Clarke University have?
The institution has a student body of 500-999.
What is Clarke University's religious tradition?
Clarke University operates within the Christian-Catholic tradition.
Who recognises Clarke University?
Clarke University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How do I find Clarke University online?
The institution's website is www.clarke.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
The institutions topping the United States's rankings give national context for Clarke University. Context matters because employer perception in the United States often correlates with national rankings.
Members of Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU)
Strategic alliances often grow alongside Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) membership — bilateral agreements deepen collaboration beyond the broader network frame. Such alliances sometimes exist between Clarke University and specific members below.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Faith-based scholarships exist at most Christian-Catholic institutions, sometimes restricted to coreligionists, sometimes open to all. The peers below often run parallel funding programmes.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Cost of living varies meaningfully across cities and towns hosting the universities below. Even within a single region, accommodation and transit costs can differ by 30–50%.
Where Else to Study Nursing
Accreditation portability differs for Nursing programmes across the United States. Professional accreditation (where applicable) matters more than institutional accreditation for regulated career paths.
Universities Often Compared with Clarke University
Application tier strategy benefits from including peer institutions to Clarke University: safety, target, and reach picks within a comparable academic band keep your outcomes diversified.
