Clarke University, located in Dubuque, Iowa, is a private Catholic liberal arts university known for its commitment to providing a holistic education that emphasizes both academic excellence and personal development. Founded in 1843, Clarke University has a rich history and tradition, offering a supportive and welcoming campus environment that fosters inclusivity and community engagement. The university's mission is deeply rooted in service and social justice, which is reflected in its extensive community service programs and initiatives that encourage students to engage with and contribute to the broader society. The campus is characterized by beautiful historic architecture and modern facilities that enhance the learning experience, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces.

Clarke University is proud of its strong emphasis on professional preparation, particularly through its nursing, education, and business programs. The university boasts a highly qualified faculty dedicated to student success, with small class sizes that foster close relationships between students and instructors. This personal attention helps students to thrive academically while also building critical thinking and leadership skills. Beyond academics, Clarke offers a vibrant campus life with diverse extracurricular activities, including various student organizations, athletic programs, and cultural events. The university’s commitment to developing well-rounded graduates is illustrated by its successful alumni who have made significant contributions to their fields and communities.

Analysis of Key Data Trends at Clarke University

Clarke University has shown significant trends in tuition fees, student demographics, graduation rates, and retention rates over the years. One of the most striking aspects is the consistent increase in both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate tuition. Starting from $28,000 in 2014, tuition has escalated to $39,600 in 2024, reflecting a near 41% increase. This sharp rise in tuition aligns with national trends in higher education where tuition fees have generally outpaced inflation, raising concerns about college affordability for prospective students.

In terms of student demographics, the gender distribution among undergraduates has shifted noticeably. The percentage of male undergraduates increased sharply from about 33.8% in 2014 to approximately 51.9% in 2024, indicating a significant rise in male enrollment relative to female enrollment. This shift could reflect broader societal changes or targeted recruitment strategies by the university.

Graduation rates present a mixed picture. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates saw improvement, peaking at around 61.3% in 2023, indicating success in student retention and support structures. However, the 150% graduation rate tells a different story, with fluctuations showing some concern about longer-term retention and completion. The rates remained relatively stable, suggesting that while many students are graduating in a timely manner, the university still faces challenges with others who require additional time.

Retention rates reveal a downward trend from 76.1% in 2014 to around 66.7% in 2023, with a slight recovery in 2024. This decline raises questions regarding student satisfaction and support systems, which may require attention to foster a more supportive academic environment. Addressing these issues will be crucial for Clarke University as it seeks to enhance student experiences and outcomes in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape.

Analysis of Graduation Data at Clarke University

The graduation data from Clarke University reveals notable trends and characteristics across different disciplines. The field of Psychology stands out with 21 undergraduate graduates, reflecting its growing popularity among students. This aligns with recent trends indicating an increased interest in mental health and psychological studies, exacerbated by the global pandemic's impact on mental health awareness.

In contrast, the data highlights a significant presence in the Medical and Health fields, particularly with the Registered Nursing program, which had 19 undergraduates. Additionally, the Family Practice Nurse program produced 8 graduates at the master's level, showcasing an essential area of focus given the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals. This trend underscores the importance of addressing healthcare needs, which have escalated in recent years due to an aging population and increased healthcare access.

It's worth noting the absence of graduate-level degrees in various fields such as Business Administration and fallacies in disciplines like Computer Science, where no graduates were reported for higher degrees. This might indicate a potential gap in leadership training in these essential areas, which can be pivotal in a rapidly evolving job market.

Lastly, the liberal arts and humanities disciplines reported some participation, though the numbers were relatively low compared to STEM and health-related fields. This suggests a shift in student preference towards more career-oriented programs, prompting institutions to rethink their offerings and support systems.

Overall, the graduate data reflects broader societal trends and challenges and might serve as a critical factor in strategic planning and resource allocation at Clarke University.

Commentary on Clarke University's Admissions Trends and Rankings

Clarke University has witnessed significant fluctuations in its rankings and admissions data over the years. From 2020 to 2025, the university has seen a steady decline in its US News ranking, dropping from 218th to 329th. This downward trend raises concerns about the institution's perceived quality and competitiveness in the higher education landscape. In terms of admissions, the acceptance rates for both male and female applicants fluctuate considerably. Notably, the acceptance rate for males in 2023 was approximately 83.1%, while for females, it was 93.9%. These figures suggest a higher likelihood of admission for female applicants, highlighting potential gender disparities in the admissions process. Interestingly, there was a notable spike in applications in 2020, with an acceptance rate of nearly 94.8%, indicating perhaps an increased interest in the institution during a period when many students were exploring online and flexible learning options due to the pandemic. The number of students enrolling has also varied, reaching a low of 134 in 2020, which could reflect the broader challenges faced by many colleges during that period. Conversely, the increase to 199 enrolled students in 2024 shows a positive shift, though the institution continues to grapple with a high number of denial and deferred admissions, which stood at 983 and 1905, respectively, in 2024. Overall, these trends reflect both challenges and opportunities for Clarke University as it navigates an increasingly competitive landscape. The significant drop in rankings by 2025 necessitates strategic interventions to enhance its appeal and academic offerings in order to regain its standing among higher education institutions.

Trends in Standardized Test Scores and Submission Rates at Clarke University

The data from Clarke University over the years showcases notable trends in standardized test scores and submission rates, particularly concerning SAT and ACT tests. It is evident that the submission rates for these tests have fluctuated significantly, with years like 2019 and 2020 showing a higher percentage of applicants submitting scores at 40% and 36% respectively. This suggests that during these years, more students perceived submitting standardized test scores as beneficial to their applications.

On the contrary, the submission rates have dropped as low as 5% in 2008, 2013, and 2023 for SAT scores, indicating a possible shift in admissions strategy or student preferences—a trend that some universities across the nation have been responding to by moving towards test-optional policies. This could also reflect broader societal discussions regarding the relevance of standardized testing in assessing student capabilities and potential.

Examining the scores themselves, there appears to be variability within the accepted students' score ranges. For instance, the reading and math scores for SAT reflect a slight upward trend from 370-613 in 2007 to a more recent range of 460-590 in 2023. This may indicate an overall improvement in the student body's academic preparedness over the years, although the score ranges still encompass a significant breadth, suggesting a diverse applicant pool.

Ultimately, these changes reflect broader educational trends and shifts in admissions processes at higher education institutions, with Clarke University’s data serving as a microcosm of the evolving landscape in college admissions. The decline in standardized test submissions could mirror a changing attitude toward holistic evaluations, balancing diverse factors beyond test scores in determining student success.

Analysis of 2024 Student Demographics at Clarke University

The student demographics for Clarke University in 2024 reveal an interesting mix of diversity and gender representation among the different categories of students. The university's total enrollment includes a significant number of undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, transfer students, and graduate students, showcasing a balanced approach to inclusivity.

Undergraduate freshmen comprise 199 students, with a male proportion of 55.3% and females at 44.7%. This suggests that Clarke University is successfully attracting a slightly higher number of males in their first-year cohort. Looking at the sophomores, the numbers increase to 489, with a more balanced gender ratio of males at 51.3% and females at 48.7%. This shift may indicate that retention rates are relatively even, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where both genders can thrive.

Transfer students present a different dynamic, with a smaller group of 94, including a higher percentage of males at 57.4%. This trend may highlight a preference for male students transitioning between institutions. The graduate student population consists of 154 individuals, with a striking female majority at 63.6%. This can be reflective of broader national trends, where females are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees and entering professions traditionally dominated by men.

The diversity within the student population, particularly among graduate students, suggests an environment conducive to various backgrounds and perspectives. The presence of these differing demographics can enrich campus life and promote a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. As the higher education landscape continues to evolve, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for universities aiming to foster an enriching educational experience for all students.

Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Clarke University

The age distribution of students at Clarke University provides insightful data regarding the demographics of its student body for 2024. A significant proportion of students fall within the traditional university age range, specifically under 21 years. The 18-19 age bracket is notably populated, with 173 male undergraduates and 154 female undergraduates contributing to the active learning environment.

Interestingly, the 20-21 age group maintains this trend with 143 male and 135 female undergraduates, indicating Clarke University's appeal to young adults right out of high school or those who are continuing their education soon after. This constitutes a clear emphasis on younger demographics that aligns with national trends of increasing college enrollment among younger students.

However, we also observe a shift as students transition into older age categories. The 22-24 age bracket introduces a larger influx of graduate students, primarily male. This possibly indicates that Clarke successfully retains students within this age group for advanced degrees. The age groups beyond 25 illustrate a diminishing presence of traditional students, reflecting a broader trend in higher education where non-traditional students (those typically older than 24) pursue further education but still represent a smaller faction.

The presence of students aged 40 and older remains minimal, underscoring potential barriers such as time constraints and financial considerations that might affect older adults seeking higher education. Overall, the findings suggest that while Clarke University has a robust young adult population, there’s an opportunity to enhance engagement with older demographics, reflecting national trends towards lifelong learning and adult education.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Clarke University

The data on international students at Clarke University reveals an interesting trajectory over the years. Starting from just three international undergraduate students in 2005, the number has seen a steady increase, culminating in a significant rise to 81 by 2024. This growth is reflective of broader trends in the U.S. higher education landscape, where universities are increasingly recognizing the value of a culturally diverse student body.

The proportion of international undergraduate students has also surged, from a mere 0.28% in 2005 to a remarkable 9.30% in 2024. Such a transformation indicates not only a growing acceptance and integration of international students but also Clarke University's efforts in targeting global talent. Meanwhile, the graduate student segment has shown variability, with the highest recorded percentage of 1.30% in 2024.

These trends are likely influenced by various factors, including changes in immigration policy, global events, and increased competition among institutions to attract international talent. Given the current emphasis on a globalized education and the economic contributions of international students, the notable increase at Clarke is promising.

In conclusion, Clark University’s international student enrollment data paints an optimistic picture of growth and diversification that resonates with the evolving dynamics of higher education, positioning the university as an attractive destination for global students seeking quality education in the United States.

Nearby Clarke University, several notable institutions offer a range of academic opportunities. Here are some highlights:

• Augustana College: Ranked 100th in the 2025 US News rankings, this liberal arts college is known for its strong focus on student engagement and a diverse range of programs.

• University of Iowa: As a comprehensive university ranked 98th, it offers a robust array of programs and is renowned for its research initiatives and vibrant campus life.

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: With an impressive ranking of 39, this large public university is noted for its research prowess, extensive resources, and innovative programs.

• Beloit College: Ranked 95th, this liberal arts college emphasizes experiential learning and offers a tight-knit community focused on academic excellence.

• Grinnell College: Ranking 19th, Grinnell is recognized for its strong liberal arts curriculum and commitment to social justice and academic freedom.

• Bradley University: This comprehensive university, ranked 189th, offers a range of programs and is known for its supportive campus environment and strong community ties.

• Wheaton College: With a rank of 53, Wheaton is a liberal arts college celebrated for its strong academic programs and community-focused experiences.

These institutions provide diverse choices for students in the surrounding area of Clarke University, each with their own unique strengths and opportunities.

Analyzing Crime Rates at Clarke University: A Declining Trend

The data on criminal offenses at Clarke University over the past decade reveals a fluctuating but ultimately declining trend in offenses per 1,000 students. In the early years, criminal activity peaked in 2015 at an alarming rate of 16.5 incidents per 1,000 students, largely driven by issues such as substance-related arrests and domestic violence. Notably, the year 2019 marked a concerning high with a rate of 21.31, indicating significant challenges on campus.

However, recent years show a remarkable improvement in terms of safety and crime reduction. By 2023, the crime rate had dipped to 3.94 per 1,000 students, a significant decrease compared to previous highs. This downward trend can be attributed to various interventions, such as increased security measures, educational programs on violence and substance abuse, and an overall cultural shift towards community safety on campus.

Interestingly, the most recent data indicates a minimal number of serious offenses like assault and robbery, which suggests that the university is effectively addressing the most severe forms of misconduct. The continued commitment to promoting a safe educational environment is crucial, as higher education institutions increasingly grapple with the implications of campus safety in light of national conversations about violence and crime on college campuses.

Further, it is important for students to remain engaged and aware of their campus environment, utilizing available resources to report and address any concerns related to safety. The decline in crime rates is promising, yet vigilance and open dialogue within the university community are essential for ensuring this progress continues.

For further insights on how crime rates are calculated, you can refer to this link: Calculating Crime Rates.