St. Ambrose University, located in Davenport, Iowa, is a private Catholic university well-known for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic education. Founded in 1882, the university embraces a strong liberal arts education enriched by a robust emphasis on professional programs. The university's mission is guided by its Catholic identity, creating an environment where values, ethics, and service are integral to the learning process. The motto "To Dare to Be" reflects the university's encouragement for students to take risks in order to achieve personal and academic growth.

The campus is characterized by its beautiful facilities, which provide students with modern resources and a vibrant atmosphere for learning and engagement. St. Ambrose offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degrees across various disciplines, including business, health sciences, and education, with notable programs in social work and occupational therapy. The university prides itself on its low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship for every student. Extracurricular activities play a significant role in student life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic teams that foster community involvement and personal development. With a commitment to service and leadership, St. Ambrose University prepares its graduates not just for careers but for meaningful lives of purpose and impact.

Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention at St. Ambrose University

Over the years, St. Ambrose University has witnessed a consistent increase in tuition fees, raising concerns among current and prospective students. Between 2014 and 2024, both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate tuition have escalated from approximately $26,740 to $35,598, marking an increase of around 33%. This relentless rise in tuition is in line with the national trend observed in higher education, where escalating costs have often outstripped wage growth, burdening students with increasing financial stress and potentially influencing their decision to pursue higher education.

Despite these financial challenges, graduation rates have shown positive movement. The timely graduation rate for undergraduates rose from about 49% in 2014 to approximately 57% in 2023, while the 150% graduation rate also improved modestly. These figures suggest that students are benefiting from university initiatives geared towards fostering academic success, despite the financial strains imposed by rising tuition.

Another noteworthy aspect is the retention rate, which appeared to fluctuate but ultimately showed an upward trend by achieving around 84% in 2024. A higher retention rate typically indicates student satisfaction and support systems that may contribute positively to their educational experience. Given the impacts of the pandemic on student enrollment and overall well-being, the university's ability to retain students amid external challenges is commendable.

Lastly, demographic dynamics within the university indicate a predominantly female undergraduate population, with females comprising approximately 55% in recent years. This gender ratio could influence campus life and program development, potentially leading to tailored initiatives aimed at supporting female students.

In conclusion, while St. Ambrose University faces challenges related to tuition increases, the improvements in graduation and retention rates, combined with understanding demographic trends, illustrate an evolving educational environment that is adapting to meet student needs in substantive ways.

Analysis of Graduates in Health and Education Disciplines

The data from St. Ambrose University reveals intriguing trends, particularly in the fields of health and education. The Registered Nursing program stands out with 77 graduates, the highest among the available programs. This indicates a strong emphasis on nursing education, likely reflecting the ongoing demand in the healthcare sector, especially in light of the global pandemic that has intensified the need for healthcare professionals.

Conversely, other health-related fields such as Physical Therapy show an interesting pattern, with all graduates at the doctoral level and none at the bachelor's or master's levels. This may suggest that students are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees in this profession, possibly in response to evolving licensure requirements and job market expectations.

In the realm of education, it's concerning to observe that no graduates are recorded in various teaching disciplines, such as French, Chemistry, and Biology education. This trend could indicate a decline in interest in traditional teaching roles, which may be influenced by factors such as the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic and shifts in employment dynamics in the education sector.

Furthermore, the absence of international students graduating in these programs might reflect broader immigration trends or institutional policies impacting the admission of international candidates. The lack of international representation in various programs could hinder the diversity of the educational environment, which is an essential aspect of higher education.

Overall, the data emphasizes St. Ambrose University's strengths in health professions while highlighting potential concerns regarding the future of education-related degrees. Moving forward, it would be beneficial for the university to explore strategies to enhance enrollment in these critical areas.

Commentary on St. Ambrose University's Admissions Trends and Rankings

St. Ambrose University has experienced significant fluctuations in its ranking and admission rates over the years. Most notably, the university's ranking saw a considerable drop from 263 in 2023 to 320 in 2024, followed by a slight recovery to 315 in 2025. Such variations may reflect a broader trend in higher education, where institutions must constantly adapt to changing academic standards and competition for students. In terms of admission rates, the data reveals a notable decrease in acceptance rates for male students over the years, with figures dropping from about 94% in 2010 to around 69% in 2023. Conversely, the acceptance rate for female students has also experienced fluctuations, though it has remained relatively higher than that of males in recent years. The university's admissions process appears to be increasingly selective, which might indicate a strategic shift to improve overall academic quality and prestige. Moreover, the number of students enrolling has been on a decline, from approximately 577 students in 2010 down to 459 in 2023. This decrease raises questions about the appeal of St. Ambrose in the current educational landscape, especially as it competes with other institutions. The combination of increasing selectivity and declining enrollment could suggest that the university is trying to refine its institution profile amidst an increasingly competitive market. As the 2025 ranking settles at 315, it will be interesting to observe how these trends affect the university's reputation and future enrollment strategies.

Analysis of St. Ambrose University Admission Test Data

The admission test data for St. Ambrose University over the years presents a noteworthy evolution, particularly with regard to the enrollment of students submitting standardized tests. From 2007 to 2014, participation primarily centered around the ACT, which maintained a remarkably high submission rate, reaching up to 99% in 2009. However, from 2015 onward, it seems that SAT has become the focal point for testing, albeit with much lower engagement, exemplified by just 1% of applicants in that period submitting SAT scores.

This shift in testing preference could suggest broader trends in standardized testing requirements across institutions or an awareness among prospective students of their strong performances on particular tests. The recent data from 2023 indicates that around 20% of applicants provided their SAT scores, with the middle 50% scoring between 500 and 620. This suggests a somewhat stabilized applicant pool returning to the SAT submission practice, amidst a wider national conversation on the efficacy and relevance of standardized testing in college admissions.

Furthermore, as institutions increasingly adopt a more holistic approach to admissions, it might be worth exploring the impact this has on applicant diversity, retention rates, and overall student success. With this transition, prospective students should be encouraged to highlight various aspects of their academic and personal achievements beyond test scores, aligning with the overarching shift in higher education towards a more inclusive model. The interplay between these testing trends and applicant profiles will be crucial as St. Ambrose navigates the changing landscape of higher education in the years to come.

Analysis of Student Demographics at St. Ambrose University for 2024

The student body at St. Ambrose University in 2024 showcases a diverse demographic composition across its undergraduate and graduate programs. With a total of 422 incoming freshmen, this category reveals a nearly balanced gender ratio, where 51.4% identify as male and 48.6% as female, indicating a slightly higher number of male students among new admissions.

In contrast, the continuing undergraduate students greatly skew towards female representation, with 54.4% identifying as female, compared to 45.6% male. This trend continues among transfer students, where the female ratio rises significantly to 69.6%. Such a pronounced female dominance in both continuing and transfer students may reflect broader societal shifts towards female enrollment in higher education, often seen in various institutions across the United States.

Among graduate students, the gender dynamics remain similar, with 69.4% female representation versus 30.6% male. This consistent trend across different student categories suggests that St. Ambrose University is attracting more female students, which aligns with national statistics showing an increase in women's enrollment in graduate programs over the past few decades.

Looking at racial demographics, the majority of students identify as white, with notable populations from other ethnic backgrounds such as Latino, Asian, and International students. This diversity enriches the student experience, promoting a multicultural environment that enhances both academic and social perspectives.

Overall, St. Ambrose University in 2024 demonstrates a growing female presence across its academic programs while maintaining a commitment to diversity. This trend not only reflects the institution's evolving identity but also underscores the importance of inclusive education in today's society.

Analysis of Age Distribution at St. Ambrose University in 2024

The age distribution data from St. Ambrose University for the year 2024 reveals significant insights about the student population's demographics. Notably, the largest segment of the student body falls within the 18-19 age range, comprising 37.8% of total male students and 45.9% of total female students. This reflects the traditional college demographic of recent high school graduates entering undergraduate programs.

Interestingly, as we move into the 20-21 age range, we see a small dip in male enrollment, but female enrollment rises significantly, indicating a trend where women are increasingly participating in higher education. This resonates with national statistics that consistently show a growing enrollment rate of women compared to men in colleges and universities across the United States.

Furthermore, the data shows a notable increase in the 22-24 age group, suggesting that many students are opting to extend their undergraduate studies or are taking pathways that may include part-time education. The presence of mature students is also noteworthy; individuals aged 25 and older make up a small but essential component of the university's demographic, emphasizing inclusivity in education for non-traditional students.

It is also important to point out the representation of graduate students, particularly those in their late twenties and early thirties. This trend highlights the increasing value of advanced degrees in today’s job market, which can be linked to industries requiring higher qualifications and specialized skills.

Overall, this age distribution presents an evolving landscape in higher education, indicative of broader societal changes regarding demographics, educational pathways, and gender equity.

Analysis of International Student Enrollment Trends at St. Ambrose University

The data regarding international student enrollment at St. Ambrose University over the last two decades reveals some intriguing trends. Initially, in 2005, the proportion of international undergraduate students was a mere 0.45%, which could be indicative of the university's nascent efforts to attract global talent. As the years progressed, there was a notable increase in the percentage of international students, reaching as high as 5.07% in 2019 for undergraduate programs. This surge demonstrates the university's successful appeal to a broader student base, which reflects a growing global interest in American higher education.

However, the numbers show a contrasting narrative in recent years. The data for 2023 indicates a significant drop in overall enrollment, with only 2.50% of undergraduates being international students. This decline could be reflective of various socio-economic factors or a general trend affecting higher education institutions, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global student mobility.

In terms of graduate programs, the percentage of international students has remained relatively low, fluctuating between 0.95% and 4.51%. The highest point was recorded in 2016 when the graduate international student percentage peaked at 4.51%. This inconsistency may suggest varying levels of appeal and competitiveness among graduate offerings at St. Ambrose University.

The overall decline in both undergraduate and graduate international enrollment raises important questions for the university. It underscores the necessity for universities to adapt their strategies in attracting and retaining international students, especially in an increasingly competitive global landscape for higher education.

Here are some notable colleges and universities surrounding St. Ambrose University:

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

2. Knox College - With a rank of 83, Knox College is a private liberal arts college that fosters individualism and creativity, emphasizing experiential learning.

3. University of Iowa - This comprehensive university ranks 98th and is well-known for its strong research programs and vibrant campus life.

4. Grinnell College - Renowned for its academic rigor, Grinnell College ranks 19th among liberal arts colleges and emphasizes critical thinking and social responsibility.

5. University of Wisconsin-Madison - A highly regarded public research university, it ranks 39th and offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

6. University of Chicago - Ranked 11th, the University of Chicago is one of the leading research universities globally, known for its economics, business, and law programs.

7. Northwestern University - As the 6th ranked institution, Northwestern is a premier private research university with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and global engagement.

These institutions provide a range of educational opportunities for students in diverse fields and disciplines in close proximity to St. Ambrose University.

Analysis of Crime Rates at St. Ambrose University

The data from St. Ambrose University reveals a significant decline in crime rates over a decade, from 2013 to 2023. In 2013, the rate was as high as 51.32 incidents per 1,000 students, while by 2023, it decreased to 17.69 incidents per 1,000 students. This represents an impressive reduction of approximately 65.5%, suggesting that strong measures may have been taken by the university to ensure campus safety.

Particularly noteworthy is the reduction in arrests related to gun possession, drug-related offenses, and alcohol misuse. The decline in these categories aligns with national trends where universities are increasingly focusing on preventive strategies, such as awareness campaigns and counseling services. Factors that often contribute to youth crime, including substance abuse and domestic violence, appear to be decreasing in prevalence as well.

Moreover, the reported incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes seem relatively low compared to national averages at universities, which often grapple with higher rates of such offenses. The dedicated efforts by campus police and local law enforcement in fostering a safer environment have likely played a critical role in this success.

The commitment to creating a secure atmosphere for students is paramount for any educational institution, particularly as safety expands beyond mere statistics into the realm of community well-being. For future improvements, maintaining transparency in reporting and continuous engagement with students regarding safety measures will be crucial.

For further understanding of how crime rates are calculated, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.