Clarks Summit University closed in 8/2024 (U.S. Department of Education IPEDS). The data on this page is historical and kept for reference.
Clarks Summit University
Acceptance rate
90.1%
2024
Peer median 77.9%
Tuition per year
$32,400
$40,000 with room and board
Peer median $34,392
“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Clarks Summit University, located in Clarks Green, Pennsylvania, is a Christian institution that emphasizes a strong biblical foundation in its educational approach. The university was established in 1932 and has since developed a reputation for its commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth. The campus is characterized by its beautiful scenery, providing an ideal environment for students to engage in both their studies and personal development. Clarks Summit University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on areas such as ministry, education, counseling, and business.
The university's mission is encapsulated in its motto, “Preparing Students for Life and Ministry,” which reflects its dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are equipped for both professional and personal success. The faculty members at Clarks Summit University are highly qualified and often bring real-world experience into the classroom, enhancing the learning experience for students. Additionally, the campus boasts modern facilities, including advanced classrooms, libraries, and recreational areas, fostering a vibrant campus culture. Beyond academics, students are encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities, including athletics and community service, which contribute to a well-rounded educational experience. The university’s commitment to creating a supportive and engaging environment has resulted in a close-knit community where students can thrive both academically and spiritually.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Clarks Summit University
Clarks Summit University has witnessed significant changes in various metrics over recent years, particularly in tuition costs, graduation rates, and student retention.
Firstly, tuition for undergraduate students has escalated from $19,710 in 2014 to $32,400 in 2024, marking an increase of approximately 64%. This sharp rise in costs is a trend seen across many institutions, contributing to heightened concerns regarding student debt and the accessibility of higher education. As tuition climbs, prospective students are increasingly burdened by financial considerations, which may influence their decisions on whether to pursue a degree.
In terms of student success, graduation rates exhibit a stark fluctuation. The timely graduation rate for undergraduates dropped to 28% in 2021 but rebounded to 45% in 2023, highlighting potential improvements in academic support or student engagement. However, this inconsistency raises questions about the university's ability to provide a stable and supportive environment for students throughout their academic journey.
Retention rates, which reflect the percentage of students who continue their studies at the same institution, have shown a decline from 82.5% in 2013 to 66.1% in 2023. This downward trend suggests that more students are choosing to leave the university before completing their degrees, which could be indicative of dissatisfaction with the educational experience, financial pressures, or changes in personal circumstances.
Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained steady at 11:1 since 2014, indicating a consistent level of academic support available to students. Maintaining this ratio is essential for fostering a conducive learning environment, as it allows for more personalized attention and mentorship from faculty, which can positively impact both retention and graduation rates.
In summary, while Clarks Summit University has made strides in certain areas, the rising tuition and fluctuating graduation and retention rates call for a careful reassessment of strategies to enhance student satisfaction and success in the increasingly competitive landscape of higher education.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- Scranton, about 6 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), about 100 mi
- Address
- 538 Venard Rd, Clarks Summit, PA 18411-1250
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2024
In 2020: men 36.7%, women 46.7%.
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Trends at Clarks Summit University
The admission data from Clarks Summit University provides a fascinating insight into the evolving landscape of higher education over the years. One striking trend is the fluctuation in acceptance rates for both male and female applicants. For instance, in 2009, the acceptance rate for males was approximately 65.35%, while it increased to a peak of about 94.29% in 2015, indicating a significant drop in competition for male applicants during that period. Conversely, female acceptance rates have shown greater consistency, despite a noticeable dip in 2013, where it fell to around 43.80%.
The enrollment numbers paint a picture of changing applicant interest and institutional capacity. The highest enrollment recorded was 151 students in 2012, after which numbers began to decline, demonstrating potential challenges the university faced in attracting students amidst rising competition and changing demographics in higher education.
Moreover, the number of students deferred has varied significantly, particularly in 2012 with 525 deferrals, suggesting that the university may have been cautious in its admissions approach during that time, potentially due to economic factors or shifts in student preferences. The trend of increasing deferrals could reflect a broader strategy by institutions to manage enrollment amidst uncertainties.
Overall, the data reveals the dynamic nature of admissions at Clarks Summit University, highlighting the impact of external factors on acceptance rates, enrollment, and deferrals. As universities continue to adapt to the changing educational landscape, understanding these trends is crucial for prospective students and educational policymakers alike.
Cost
2024 cost per year
$40,000
- Undergraduate tuition
- $32,400
- Room and board
- $7,600
- Graduate tuition
- $6,476
Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 48% from 2016 to 2024; room and board rose 31%.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
| NCAA Division III without football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 25 | 15 |
| Basketball | 25 | 11 |
| Baseball | 17 | - |
| Softball | - | 15 |
| Tennis | 6 | 8 |
| Volleyball | - | 12 |
| Cross Country | 5 | 3 |
| Golf | 7 | - |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Binghamton UniversityVestal · 43.4 mi
U.S. News #73
-
Lafayette CollegeEaston · 60.3 mi
Liberal Arts #30
-
Muhlenberg CollegeAllentown · 62.8 mi
Liberal Arts #62
-
Lehigh UniversityBethlehem · 63.4 mi
U.S. News #44
-
DeSales UniversityCenter Valley · 68.0 mi
U.S. News #262
-
Bucknell UniversityLewisburg · 72.6 mi
Liberal Arts #29
-
Cornell UniversityIthaca · 77.5 mi
U.S. News #14
-
Montclair State UniversityMontclair · 88.9 mi
U.S. News #156
-
The United States Military Academy at West PointWest Point · 89.8 mi
Liberal Arts #9
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Clarks Summit University:
-
Binghamton University - Known as one of the top public universities in New York, it ranks 73rd in the 2024 US News rankings and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
Lehigh University - A prestigious private university ranked 47th, Lehigh is recognized for its strong engineering and business programs, along with a vibrant campus life.
-
Cornell University - An Ivy League institution, Cornell is ranked 12th and is known for its rigorous academics and beautiful campus, offering a wide array of programs across various fields.
-
Vassar College - This highly regarded liberal arts college is ranked 16th and is celebrated for its academic excellence, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful campus.
-
Colgate University - Ranked 21st, Colgate is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and picturesque campus, providing students with a holistic educational experience.
These institutions contribute to a rich educational landscape in the region, each offering unique programs and opportunities for students.
Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Incidents, 2019–2021
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Clarks Summit University
The crime statistics at Clarks Summit University provide a noteworthy overview of campus safety over the years. From 2013 to 2023, there have been significant fluctuations in the reported crime rates. In 2013, the university recorded a crime rate of 0.18 per 1,000 students, which suggests a relatively low level of incidents at that time. Notably, for several years following 2013, the university reported no recorded crimes, indicating a period of heightened safety and effective management of campus environments.
However, a concerning spike occurred in 2019, with a crime rate of 5.21 per 1,000 students, highlighting a potential increase in incidents that year. This sudden rise warrants further investigation into the types of crimes reported, as understanding the specifics can help the university and the surrounding community address the underlying issues. Following this peak, the university returned to reporting zero crimes from 2020 to 2023, suggesting either successful preventive measures or a lack of reported incidents.
It is crucial to adapt to the changing landscape of campus safety, especially in light of ongoing national discussions about crime on college campuses. Institutions must remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring student safety, and the data from Clarks Summit University should serve as a reminder of the importance of continual monitoring and community engagement to maintain a secure environment for all students. The crime rate calculation method can be reviewed for further insights into these statistics: Crime Rate Calculation.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.