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Morningside University vs Clarke University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Sioux City IA · vs · Private nonprofit, Dubuque IA

The verdict

Clarke University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $97,916 in 13.9 years versus 17.6 years at Morningside University, on median earnings of $55,396 vs $55,494 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMorningside UniversityClarke University
Net price / yr$31,320$24,479
Total net cost$125,280$97,916
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,494$55,396
Median debt$26,028$26,717
Payback17.6 yrs13.9 yrs
20-year net return$17,400$42,804

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Morningside University or Clarke University?

Clarke University, at $24,479 a year after aid versus $31,320 — a gap of $6,841 a year, or $27,364 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Morningside University or Clarke University graduates earn more?

Morningside University graduates report a median $55,494 ten years after entry, $98 more than the $55,396 at Clarke University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Morningside University or Clarke University?

Morningside University: its completers carry a median $26,028 in federal loans versus $26,717 at Clarke University, a difference of $689. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

56% of students finish at Clarke University, against 50% at Morningside University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Morningside University vs Clarke University: frequently asked questions

Is Morningside University or Clarke University a better value?
Clarke University. It clears its $97,916 net cost in about 13.9 years versus 17.6 years at Morningside University, on median earnings of $55,396 vs $55,494 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Morningside University or Clarke University?
Clarke University: $24,479/yr net price after aid versus $31,320/yr at Morningside University — a difference of $6,841 a year, or about $27,364 over four years.
Do Morningside University or Clarke University graduates earn more?
Morningside University graduates earn a median $55,494 ten years after entry, versus $55,396 at Clarke University — a $98 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.