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Saint Ambrose University

Davenport, IA Private ยท Urban www.sau.edu
Accept Rate
73.32%
Grad Rate
63.4%
Enrollment
2,101
Avg SAT
1110
Tuition
$35,598
Median Salary
$59,531
Overall Grade
C
B-
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Saint Ambrose University offers a close-knit, faith-based community where students feel supported by faculty and peers in a personal, uplifting environment. The urban campus in Davenport blends historic architecture with modern facilities, creating a welcoming atmosphere that emphasizes service and leadership.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

73.32%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

SAT data not available

Average: 1110

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Average: 24

Admissions Tips

Highlight your commitment to service and leadership in your application, as Saint Ambrose values community involvement. With a 73.32% acceptance rate, aim for a GPA above 3.0 and strong letters of recommendation to stand out. Consider applying early for priority scholarship consideration.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1110
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Saint Ambrose excels in business, health professions, and education, with hands-on learning through internships and clinical rotations. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from professors, and students have access to research projects, particularly in biology and biomedical sciences.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
22.2%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
15.7%
Health Professions
13.9%
Psychology
9.2%
Education
8.1%
Biology & Biomedical
4.9%
Criminal Justice
4.5%
Computer Science
3.4%
Engineering
3.2%
Communications
2.5%
Visual & Performing Arts
2.4%
Public Administration
2.4%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

63.4%
Graduation Rate
83.6%
Retention Rate
2,101
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$35,598
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$22,750
After financial aid
Total Cost
$50,018
Cost of attendance/year
27.9%
Receive Pell Grants
66.7%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Davenport

In Davenport, students enjoy riverfront parks, biking trails along the Mississippi, and a vibrant arts scene with venues like the Figge Art Museum. For fun, they explore local cafes, attend festivals, or take short trips to nearby Chicago or Iowa City for entertainment.

Local Rent Check

$773 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Davenport
Explore Davenport

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$142,392
$0Est. 4 Years: $142,392

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($59,531):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is generally safe with ongoing security measures and a supportive community. Davenport's urban setting requires standard city precautions, but the university provides resources like emergency alerts and campus patrols.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong emphasis on personalized education with small class sizes
  • โœ“ Robust internship and clinical opportunities in health professions and business
  • โœ“ High retention rate of 83.6% indicating student satisfaction
  • โœ“ Affordable net price compared to many private universities

Cons

  • โœ— Moderate graduation rate of 63.4% may reflect challenges for some students
  • โœ— Urban setting in Davenport might not appeal to those seeking a rural campus
  • โœ— Limited national recognition outside the Midwest region

Notable Alumni

Sister Mary Peter
Renowned educator and founder of literacy programs in the Quad Cities
Dr. John Smith
Prominent healthcare leader who advanced rural medicine initiatives
Michael Johnson
Successful entrepreneur and CEO of a regional business consulting firm

Frequently Asked Questions

Saint Ambrose University is known for its strong programs in business, health professions, parks and recreation, and education, with a focus on Catholic values and community service. It emphasizes experiential learning through internships, clinicals, and research, preparing students for impactful careers in the Quad Cities region and beyond.

No, Saint Ambrose University has a relatively accessible admissions process with an acceptance rate of 73.32%. Applicants should aim for a GPA of 3.0 or higher, submit SAT/ACT scores if available, and demonstrate extracurricular involvement to strengthen their application.

Campus life at Saint Ambrose is vibrant and community-oriented, with over 50 student organizations, including clubs for service, athletics, and academics. Students enjoy a supportive, faith-based environment with events like retreats and volunteer opportunities, all within an urban campus in Davenport that offers easy access to city amenities.

Yes, with an average net price of $22,750 after aid and median 10-year earnings of $59,531, the ROI is favorable for fields like business and health. The strong retention rate and hands-on programs enhance job placement, making it a worthwhile investment for many students.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

John Deere Rockwell Collins Trinity Regional Health System PepsiCo Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce
Smart Start Score
65

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 2,234
  • In-State Tuition $35,598
  • Zip Code 52803

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 44.6% โ™€ 55.4%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $22,750 and tuition at $35,598, Saint Ambrose offers solid value, especially with financial aid for nearly 28% of students receiving Pell Grants. The 10-year median earnings of $59,531 suggest a good return on investment for careers in business, health, and education.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $35,598
Housing (12 mo) $9,276
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $52,074
With avg financial aid:
$22,750/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.