When deciding between two higher education institutions, it is essential to make an informed decision considering various factors such as cost, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes. In this article, we will be comparing St. Ambrose University and Wartburg College, two reputable schools in the Midwest, to assist in your college selection process.
St. Ambrose University Overview
St. Ambrose University is a private, liberal arts institution located in Davenport, Iowa. Established in 1882, the university has grown to offer over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields ranging from business to healthcare. With an enrollment of about 3,000 students, including both undergraduate and graduate students, St. Ambrose provides a close-knit environment that fosters personalized attention and a strong sense of community.
St. Ambrose Costs & Tuition
Tuition at St. Ambrose for the 2020-2021 academic year was $32,240 for full-time undergraduate students. However, the university offers numerous financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to help students cover the costs. Approximately 99% of undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance, with the average aid package totaling $22,000.
St. Ambrose Admissions
Admission to St. Ambrose is considered moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of 63%. The university requires applicants to submit either their ACT or SAT scores and their high school transcripts. The average ACT score for admitted students is between 20 and 26, while the average SAT score ranges from 1050 to 1250. Additional factors considered for admission include extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and personal essays.
St. Ambrose Degrees Offered
St. Ambrose offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various disciplines. Some popular majors at the university include Business, Education, Nursing, Psychology, and Engineering. In addition to traditional bachelor’s and master’s programs, the university also offers accelerated degree programs, online learning, and study abroad opportunities to provide students with a comprehensive and flexible educational experience.
St. Ambrose Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, St. Ambrose emphasizes personalized attention and a collaborative learning environment. The university has a four-year graduation rate of 58%, and approximately 90% of students are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. St. Ambrose also offers academic support services like tutoring, writing assistance, and career counseling to help students excel in their studies and prepare for life after graduation.
St. Ambrose Diversity
St. Ambrose is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university population consists of students from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as international students. St. Ambrose offers several programs and resources to support diversity, including multicultural student services, study abroad opportunities, and cultural events throughout the year.
St. Ambrose Students
St. Ambrose boasts a diverse student population with an average class size of 20 students, allowing for personalized attention and a strong sense of community. Students can participate in over 70 student organizations, including clubs, service organizations, and Greek life. The university also offers a variety of athletic programs, competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as a member of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC).
St. Ambrose Campus
The St. Ambrose campus spans over 50 acres, featuring modern facilities and green spaces for students to enjoy. The campus is located in Davenport, Iowa, which offers a range of cultural, recreational, and dining options for students. Campus amenities include state-of-the-art classrooms, residence halls, a student center, a fitness center, and various athletic facilities.
St. Ambrose Alumni
St. Ambrose has a strong alumni network with over 26,000 graduates worldwide. Alumni have gone on to find success in various fields, including business, healthcare, education, and the arts. The university offers numerous resources for alumni, such as career services, networking events, and lifelong learning opportunities.
St. Ambrose Rankings
St. Ambrose is consistently ranked among the top regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. The university has also been recognized for its value, commitment to service, and strong outcomes for graduates.
St. Ambrose Outcomes
Students at St. Ambrose achieve strong outcomes upon graduation, with approximately 90% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduating. The university’s emphasis on personalized attention, a comprehensive curriculum, and a supportive community contribute to these high rates of success.
Wartburg College Overview
Wartburg College is a private, liberal arts college located in Waverly, Iowa. Founded in 1852, the college has a rich history and a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education in the liberal arts tradition. Offering over 50 undergraduate majors and pre-professional programs, Wartburg’s curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. With an enrollment of around 1,500 students, the college fosters a close-knit community and personalized learning experience.
Wartburg College Costs & Tuition
For the 2020-2021 academic year, full-time undergraduate tuition at Wartburg College was $43,220. To help students afford their education, Wartburg offers a variety of financial assistance programs, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Approximately 99% of students receive financial aid, with an average award of $30,000.
Wartburg College Admissions
Admission to Wartburg College is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 76%. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts and are encouraged to submit their ACT or SAT scores, although test-optional admissions are available for students who prefer not to submit standardized test scores. The average ACT score for admitted students is between 22 and 27, and the average SAT score ranges from 1100 to 1300. Additional factors considered in the admissions process include extracurricular involvement, leadership experience, and volunteer work.
Wartburg College Degrees Offered
Wartburg offers a wide array of undergraduate majors and pre-professional programs in various fields, including Business, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and the Arts. In addition, the college provides opportunities for internships, study abroad experiences, and collaborative research with faculty members.
Wartburg College Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, Wartburg emphasizes individualized attention and a collaborative learning environment. The college has a four-year graduation rate of 71%, which is well above the national average. Wartburg offers academic support services, such as tutoring, writing assistance, and career counseling, to help students succeed in their studies and prepare for life after college.
Wartburg College Diversity
Wartburg College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The college’s student body represents various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as a significant number of international students. Wartburg offers several programs and resources to support diversity on campus, including multicultural student services, study abroad opportunities, and cultural events.
Wartburg College Students
Wartburg’s student body consists of approximately 1,500 students, allowing for a close-knit community and personalized learning experience. Students can participate in over 80 student clubs and organizations, including academic societies, service clubs, and Greek life. Wartburg College also offers a variety of athletic programs, competing in NCAA Division III as a member of the American Rivers Conference.
Wartburg College Campus
Wartburg’s campus is situated on 170 acres in Waverly, Iowa, featuring modern facilities and picturesque green spaces. Campus amenities include state-of-the-art classrooms, residence halls, a student center, a fitness and wellness center, and various athletic facilities. The college is located in a safe and vibrant community, offering students a range of recreational, cultural, and dining options.
Wartburg College Alumni
Wartburg College has a strong network of over 24,000 alumni worldwide. Graduates have found success in various fields, including business, healthcare, education, and the arts. The college offers numerous resources for alumni, such as career services, networking events, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Wartburg College Rankings
Wartburg College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. The college has also been recognized for its commitment to service, value, and successful outcomes for graduates.
Wartburg College Outcomes
Graduates of Wartburg College achieve strong outcomes, with 98% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The college’s focus on personalized attention, a comprehensive curriculum, and a supportive community contribute to these high rates of success.
St. Ambrose vs Wartburg College Cost Comparison
The cost of attendance is a significant factor in the college decision-making process. St. Ambrose University’s tuition for the 2020-2021 academic year was $32,240, while Wartburg College’s tuition was $43,220. However, both institutions offer substantial financial aid packages to help students cover the costs. At St. Ambrose, the average financial aid package was $22,000, and at Wartburg, it was $30,000. It is essential to consider not only the sticker price but also the net cost after financial aid when comparing colleges.
St. Ambrose vs Wartburg College Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both St. Ambrose and Wartburg are considered moderately competitive. St. Ambrose has an acceptance rate of 63%, while Wartburg has an acceptance rate of 76%. Both colleges require applicants to submit their high school transcripts and either ACT or SAT scores (though Wartburg does offer test-optional admissions). The average test scores for admitted students at St. Ambrose are slightly lower than those at Wartburg, with ACT scores ranging from 20 to 26 at St. Ambrose and 22 to 27 at Wartburg, and SAT scores ranging from 1050 to 1250 at St. Ambrose and 1100 to 1300 at Wartburg.
St. Ambrose vs Wartburg College Academic Difficulty
Both St. Ambrose and Wartburg offer challenging academic programs with an emphasis on personalized attention and collaboration, as evidenced by their similar student-to-faculty ratios of 11:1. The four-year graduation rate is higher at Wartburg (71%) compared to St. Ambrose (58%). However, both colleges provide academic support services, such as tutoring and writing assistance, to help students succeed in their coursework.
St. Ambrose vs Wartburg College Outcome Comparison
Outcomes for graduates from both St. Ambrose and Wartburg are strong, with the majority of students employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. At St. Ambrose, 90% of graduates achieve this outcome, while at Wartburg, the rate is 98%. Both institutions provide career counseling and other resources to help prepare students for life after college.
In conclusion, both St. Ambrose University and Wartburg College offer quality education with a focus on personalized attention, a diverse range of academic programs, and strong outcomes for graduates. It is essential to consider factors such as cost, admissions difficulty, and overall fit when making your college decision.
