Clarke University

Clarke University is a private Catholic university located in Dubuque, Iowa. Founded in 1843 by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it began as a women’s academy and later developed into a coeducational institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Clarke provides degrees in the liberal arts, sciences, business, education, nursing, and health professions. The university maintains a values-based mission rooted in Catholic traditions while welcoming students of all backgrounds. Its campus overlooks the Mississippi River and serves a predominantly undergraduate student population. Clarke University attracts students seeking a small-campus environment, personalized instruction, and programs that integrate professional preparation with a liberal arts foundation.

Clarke University was founded in 1843 in Dubuque, Iowa, as St. Mary’s Female Academy by Mother Mary Frances Clarke and the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Established three years before Iowa achieved statehood, it was among the first educational institutions for women west of the Mississippi River. In 1881, the school relocated to Seminary Hill in Dubuque and became Mount St. Joseph Academy and College. The institution evolved into a liberal arts college in the early twentieth century, awarding its first bachelor’s degrees in 1904. In 1928 it adopted the name Clarke College, reflecting its growing collegiate mission. Clarke expanded academic offerings over the decades and became fully coeducational. In 2010, Clarke College was renamed Clarke University to reflect its graduate programs and broader scope. Today, Clarke University continues its Catholic educational mission while serving students in Dubuque and beyond.