Acceptance Rate
77%
Avg. SAT
1170
75th percentile
“Catholic university blending faith, service, and hands-on professional training in Iowa's Quad Cities.”
Davenport, IA
Location
Midsize City
Campus Setting
Saint Ambrose University, founded in 1918 by the Diocese of Davenport as a men's liberal arts college, became coeducational in 1967 and gained university status in 1987. Rooted in the Catholic and Dominican traditions, it prioritizes intellectual inquiry, ethical formation, and community service. The campus sits along the Mississippi River in Davenport, Iowa, fostering a tight-knit environment amid the Quad Cities metropolitan area.
Ambrose attracts earnest students who value personal growth alongside faith integration. Those who thrive here are collaborative, service-minded individuals seeking mentorship in a smaller setting—about 2,800 total students—with Midwest roots or openness to regional life. The university suits pragmatic learners balancing spiritual reflection with career preparation.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
With over 60 undergraduate majors and 20 graduate programs, Saint Ambrose excels in health sciences (nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant), business, education, and criminal justice. Class sizes average 20 students, enabling interactive teaching focused on real-world application through internships, clinical rotations, and capstone projects.
Faculty emphasize experiential learning in professional fields, supported by partnerships with local hospitals and businesses. The Christ the Teacher Core Curriculum weaves ethics, theology, and liberal arts across disciplines.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,939 undergrad • 559 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
71%
Black / African American
6%
Hispanic / Latino
10%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
11%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Davenport, IA
Varsity Athletics
Campus life centers on residence halls housing most undergraduates, over 70 student organizations, and NAIA athletics as the Fighting Bees, competing in football, basketball, and more. Traditions include weekly Masses, the Bee Hive welcome event, and community service initiatives tied to Catholic social teaching.
The social scene is low-key and inclusive, with events like cultural festivals and intramurals. Proximity to the Quad Cities provides access to internships, concerts, and dining, while the student body—largely from the Midwest—builds lasting friendships in a supportive, faith-informed atmosphere.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
NCAA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$21,762
$30K – $48K
$22,279
$48K – $75K
$20,766
$75K – $110K
$25,894
$110K+
$27,097
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to unlock grants, scholarships, and federal loans.
Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
76%
4 Years Graduation Rate
62%
6 Years Graduation Rate
70%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$59,531
76% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Saint Ambrose University and return in the fall. 62% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 70% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
62%
4-6 years
8%
Non-grad
30%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$34,290
Acceptance
77%
Undergrads
1,939
4-Year Grad Rate
62%
Endowment
$49M
Davenport, IA 52803-2898
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