Clarke University

Clarke University
Former names
St. Mary's Female Academy (1843–1881)
Mount St. Joseph Academy and College (1881–1928)
Clarke College (1928–2010)
TypePrivate university
Established1843 (1843)
Religious affiliation
Roman Catholic
Endowment$29.8 million (2025)
PresidentYvonne Zimmerman (interim)
Students962 (fall 2024)
Undergraduates815 (fall 2024)
Postgraduates147 (fall 2024)
Location,
Iowa
,
U.S.

42°30′36″N 90°41′28″W / 42.510°N 90.691°W / 42.510; -90.691
CampusUrban
Colors   
Navy Blue & Gold
NicknamePride
Sporting affiliations
NAIAHAAC
MascotCutlass T. Crusader
Websitewww.clarke.edu

Clarke University is a private Catholic university in Dubuque, Iowa, United States. It was founded in 1843 as St. Mary's Female Academy by Mother Mary Frances Clarke, foundress of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The campus sits on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River and downtown Dubuque. Clarke offers undergraduate degrees in 19 academic departments with over 40 majors and programs. The university also provides graduate master's and doctoral degrees and enrolls approximately 962 students as of fall 2024.