St. Ambrose University, located in Davenport, Iowa, is a private Catholic university renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and community service. Established in 1882, the university has a rich history and a vibrant campus life that fosters a strong sense of community among its students. The university's mission emphasizes the development of the whole person, integrating intellectual, spiritual, and social growth, which is reflected in its diverse academic programs and supportive learning environment. St. Ambrose offers over 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with notable strengths in fields such as business, health sciences, education, and social work.

The campus culture at St. Ambrose is characterized by a strong emphasis on service and leadership, encouraging students to engage with the community through various outreach programs. The university's motto, "The Truth Will Set You Free," underscores its commitment to fostering critical thinking and ethical decision-making among students. Furthermore, St. Ambrose boasts modern facilities, including well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas, promoting both academic and extracurricular activities. The university's athletic programs also play a significant role in campus life, with opportunities for students to participate in various sports at the NAIA level. Overall, St. Ambrose University provides a holistic educational experience, preparing students for successful careers and responsible citizenship.

Analysis of Key Metrics at St. Ambrose University

St. Ambrose University has demonstrated notable trends in tuition, graduation rates, student demographics, and retention rates over the past decade. The continuous rise in tuition fees, from approximately $26,740 in 2014 to $35,598 in 2024 for in-state undergraduate students, reflects a broader trend in higher education where tuition costs outpace inflation. This significant increase of over 33% may pose a financial challenge for prospective students and could impact enrollment numbers in the future.

Graduation rates have shown a positive trajectory, with the on-time graduation rate climbing from approximately 49% in 2013 to about 57% in 2023. This increase indicates that more students are completing their degrees within the standard time frame, suggesting improvements in academic support and student engagement initiatives. Additionally, the 150% graduation rate has also seen a rise, further emphasizing the university's effectiveness in retaining and supporting students.

The demographic breakdown of students has shifted slightly, with the percentage of male undergraduate students increasing from about 41.7% in 2013 to 45.8% in 2023. This change indicates a slight move towards a more balanced gender representation, which is crucial in creating a diverse and inclusive academic environment.

Retention rates have fluctuated, showing a decline in 2022 but rebounding to approximately 79% in 2023. This suggests that while the university may be facing challenges in keeping students enrolled, recent efforts to enhance student satisfaction and support systems may be taking effect.

Overall, St. Ambrose University is grappling with the challenges of rising costs while striving to improve educational outcomes and support for its students, which is essential for attracting and retaining a diverse student body in an increasingly competitive educational landscape.

Analysis of Graduation Data from St. Ambrose University

The graduation data from St. Ambrose University for the year 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the distribution of degrees conferred across various fields. Notably, the Registered Nursing program stands out with 77 bachelor's degrees awarded, indicating a robust interest in healthcare education, essential given the ongoing global emphasis on healthcare professions, especially post-pandemic. This trend aligns with an increasing demand for healthcare workers, which has been widely reported in recent news.

In contrast, the Exercise Science and Kinesiology program awarded 39 bachelor's degrees but reported no international students, highlighting a potentially limited appeal for this major among non-domestic students. The absence of master's or doctorate degrees in this field may also reflect a lack of advanced academic pathways, which could deter prospective students seeking further education.

Interestingly, the Social Work program awarded 39 master's degrees, indicating a significant commitment to this field, which is crucial for community support and development. However, the absence of bachelor’s degrees suggests that this program may primarily serve individuals already holding undergraduate degrees in related fields, emphasizing its role in professional advancement rather than entry-level education.

Furthermore, the absence of international students across many programs suggests potential barriers to entry, such as visa challenges or limited awareness of these programs abroad. This could be an area for the university to explore, aiming to enhance its global visibility and attract a diverse student body.

Overall, the data illustrates the university's strengths in healthcare education while indicating potential areas for growth in other disciplines, particularly in attracting international students and expanding advanced degree offerings.

Trends in Admission Rates and Rankings at St. Ambrose University

St. Ambrose University has seen a fluctuating admission landscape over recent years, which reflects broader trends in higher education. The data indicates a significant drop in rankings from 263rd in 2023 to 320th in 2024, followed by a slight improvement to 315th in 2025. This downward trajectory in rankings could be a concern for prospective students and faculty alike, as university rankings often influence perceptions of quality and desirability. Looking at the admission rates, the acceptance rate for male students was approximately 69.3% in 2023, while for female students it was about 77.3%. This gender disparity in acceptance rates may indicate varying applicant pools or strategic enrollment management approaches. Historically, the university has experienced fluctuating rates; for example, in 2013, the male acceptance rate was as low as 70.4%, while female acceptance was only 75.2%. These variations could point to changing demographics or shifts in university policy. The number of enrollments has also varied, with 459 students enrolled in 2023, down from higher numbers in previous years. The data reveals that 936 applicants were denied admission, suggesting a more competitive environment. The increase in deferrals, which peaked at 2,694 in 2018, might reflect students' uncertainties or a desire to defer college amidst changing societal factors, such as economic conditions or the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, these trends at St. Ambrose University illustrate the complexities of maintaining both a robust enrollment and a favorable ranking in a competitive educational market. As the university navigates these challenges, its future strategies will be critical in shaping its academic reputation and student experience.

Analysis of Admission Test Data at St. Ambrose University

The admission test data from St. Ambrose University presents a notable evolution over the years, especially in the context of standardized testing trends across the United States. From 2007 to 2023, the percentage of admitted students submitting ACT scores remained consistently high, peaking at 99% in 2009. This suggests a strong preference for ACT submissions among applicants, likely due to the test's alignment with the university's admission criteria.

Conversely, the SAT submissions have seen a significant decline, with only 20% of applicants submitting scores in 2023. This stark contrast might reflect a broader national trend where students are increasingly opting for the ACT over the SAT, as many institutions are adopting a more flexible approach to standardized testing requirements.

The reported score ranges for both the SAT and ACT indicate a competitive admission landscape. For instance, the SAT reading and math scores exhibited a range from 500 to 620 in 2023, while the ACT composite scores also reflect a competitive threshold. These score ranges suggest that the university is maintaining high academic standards and attracting a capable cohort of students.

Moreover, the decline in the percentage of SAT submissions over the years could be indicative of changing attitudes towards standardized testing. Many universities are reevaluating their testing policies, with some moving towards test-optional admissions. This shift could also explain the reduced emphasis on SAT scores at St. Ambrose University, aligning its practices with the evolving educational environment.

Overall, the data reveals a dynamic and changing admissions landscape at St. Ambrose University, influenced by national testing trends and shifting student preferences.

Analysis of Student Composition at St. Ambrose University in 2023

The student demographic data for St. Ambrose University in 2023 reveals notable trends among its diverse population. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 459, with a slightly higher percentage of female students (51.9%) compared to male students (48.1%). This pattern continues into the continuing undergraduate students, where females make up 54.8% of the 1,475 students. Such a gender distribution indicates a growing inclination of women towards higher education at the university level, reflecting broader societal trends of increasing female participation in academia.

Among undergraduate transfer students, the gender ratio remains consistent with 54.6% female and 45.4% male out of 174 students. However, a stark contrast is observed in the graduate student body, where a significant majority of 71.4% are female and only 28.6% are male, representing a shift in gender dynamics in advanced studies. This could suggest that more women are pursuing graduate education, possibly influenced by various factors, including career aspirations and educational opportunities.

In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, the data indicates that the majority of students across all categories are White, with the highest representation found among the undergraduate freshmen. While the exact numbers for other racial and ethnic groups are not provided, the overall figures suggest a predominance of White students in the university's population. This underscores the ongoing conversation about diversity in higher education institutions and the need for more inclusive policies that support underrepresented groups.

Overall, St. Ambrose University's student composition in 2023 reflects significant shifts in gender representation, with women increasingly taking the lead in both undergraduate and graduate programs, while also calling attention to the need for enhanced racial and ethnic diversity within the student body.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at St. Ambrose University

The student age distribution at St. Ambrose University in 2023 reveals a diverse demographic landscape. Notably, the majority of students fall within the 18-21 age bracket, comprising a significant portion of the undergraduate population. Specifically, among the undergraduates, there are 390 male students and 410 female students aged 18-19, while the 20-21 age group includes 376 males and 484 females. This indicates a robust enrollment of young students, which is common in universities as they attract fresh high school graduates.

Interestingly, as the age increases, the number of students tends to decline, particularly evident in the 22-24 age category where the number of graduate students begins to increase, especially among females. This could suggest that a portion of the undergraduate population transitions to graduate studies, particularly women, as reflected by the higher number of graduate females aged 22-24 compared to their male counterparts.

Moreover, the university also accommodates non-traditional students, with a small but notable group aged 25-29 and even older students in the 30-34 and 35-39 brackets. The presence of students over 40, albeit minimal, indicates that lifelong learning is valued at St. Ambrose, aligning with broader trends in higher education where adults return to school for personal or professional development.

Overall, the age composition at St. Ambrose University reflects a vibrant academic environment that caters to a wide range of students, from traditional young adults to more mature learners, fostering a diverse educational experience.

Analysis of International Student Trends at St. Ambrose University

The data on international students at St. Ambrose University reveals a fluctuating trend over nearly two decades, illustrating the evolving landscape of higher education in the United States. Notably, the percentage of undergraduate international students peaked in 2018 at 4.86%, demonstrating a growing interest from global scholars during that time. This trend is reflective of a broader increase in international student enrollment across U.S. universities, often influenced by factors such as academic reputation and diverse program offerings.

However, the subsequent years show a significant decline in both the total number of international undergraduates and their percentage within the overall student body. For instance, the proportion dropped to 2.50% in 2023, indicating potential challenges such as changing immigration policies, global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, or shifting perceptions of U.S. higher education among prospective students.

Graduate international enrollment also exhibits a similar pattern, with a peak in 2016 at 4.51%, followed by a steady decline to just 0.95% in 2023. This downward trend raises concerns about the university’s competitiveness in attracting global talent at the graduate level.

Such fluctuations in international student populations can significantly impact campus culture, diversity, and institutional funding. As universities continue to navigate these changes, it is crucial for institutions like St. Ambrose University to develop strategies to enhance their appeal to international students, ensuring a vibrant and diverse academic community for years to come.

Here are some notable institutions located near St. Ambrose University:

1. Augustana College - Ranked 100 in the US News 2025 rankings, Augustana College is a liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement.

2. Knox College - With a ranking of 83, Knox College is also a liberal arts college that offers a diverse curriculum and a commitment to a personalized education experience.

3. University of Iowa - Ranked 98, the University of Iowa is a comprehensive university with a strong focus on research and a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs.

4. Bradley University - Bradley University, ranked 189, offers a range of programs and is known for its emphasis on student success and professional preparation.

5. Grinnell College - With a prestigious ranking of 19, Grinnell College is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to social justice and civic engagement.

6. University of Wisconsin-Madison - Ranked 39, this comprehensive university is widely respected for its research initiatives and diverse academic offerings.

7. Northwestern University - A highly prestigious institution ranked 6, Northwestern University is known for its research excellence and strong programs across various fields.

8. University of Chicago - Ranked 11, the University of Chicago is recognized globally for its rigorous scholarship and influential research programs.

These institutions contribute to a rich educational landscape in the region, offering a variety of programs and unique opportunities for students.

Crime Trends at St. Ambrose University: A Positive Decrease

The crime data from St. Ambrose University over the past decade reveals an encouraging trend towards a reduction in campus-related offenses. The average number of incidents per 1,000 students has significantly declined, from 51.32 in 2013 to just 17.69 in 2023. This represents a decrease of approximately 65.5%, showcasing the university's efforts in enhancing campus safety and promoting a secure learning environment.

Analyzing specific categories of crime, arrests related to drug and alcohol offenses have shown a notable decline, indicating a shift in student behavior and possibly the effectiveness of educational programs addressing substance abuse. For example, the rate of alcohol-related arrests has dropped consistently over the years, reflecting a growing awareness and adherence to responsible drinking practices among students.

Additionally, the absence of violent crimes such as murder and rape within this dataset is reassuring. However, the presence of domestic violence and stalking incidents, albeit at lower rates, highlights the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to ensure comprehensive safety for all students.

In conclusion, St. Ambrose University has successfully fostered a safer environment for its students, as evidenced by the declining crime rates. Continuous efforts in crime prevention and education are essential to maintain this positive trajectory. For more details on how crime rates are calculated, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Methodology.