Clark University
Clark University is a private nonprofit university in Worcester, MA ranked #1182 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 2,214 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 39.5%. Students most often pursue Economics and Biology.
Day to day, students benefit from a 8:1 student-faculty ratio, 86.2% first-year retention, and 76.9% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $28,714, about $11,716 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -57.3%, roughly 142.6 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $49,022. That's about $5,334 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Clark University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Clark University graduates 76.9% of students within six years and keeps 86.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Clark University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $58,867 |
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,500 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,050 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $68,432 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 23.1% of Clark University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $18,188 to $39,035 depending on family income. Use Clark University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $25,062/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $39,035/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $49,022
- 10-Year Median Earnings $49,022
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $22,141
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 79.7%
- Employment Rate 28.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Clark University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Clark University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Clark University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Clark University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Clark University graduates earn $49,022 median, the -57.3% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 658-740
- SAT Math 630-720
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 30-33
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,214
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 86.2%
- Graduation Rate 76.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 8:1
How to Get Into Clark University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Clark University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 39.5%, Clark University is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Clark University accepts 39.5% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1288 and 1460 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Clark University undergraduates. Psychology, General, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 15.5%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 9.7%
- Biology, General 8.8%
- Economics 7.9%
- Political Science and Government 7.0%
- Geography and Cartography 4.5%
See more majors
- Computer Science 4.0%
- English Language and Literature, General 4.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Economics $85,062
- 2. Biology, General $64,992
- 3. Social Sciences, Other $63,593
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $62,411
- 5. Political Science and Government $60,708
- 6. Psychology, General $56,449
- 7. Sociology $55,998
- 8. Natural Resources Conservation and Research $55,687
- 9. Communication and Media Studies $53,365
- 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations $43,449
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $100,135
- 2. Geography and Cartography (Master's Degree) $90,425
- 3. Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Master's Degree) $69,057
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $67,812
- 5. Education, General (Master's Degree) $65,053
- 6. Community Organization and Advocacy (Master's Degree) $60,494
- 7. Social Sciences, Other (Master's Degree) $47,299
- 8. Communication and Media Studies (Master's Degree) $42,329
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Economics grads earn $85,062—96% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($43,449). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $100,135 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Clark University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 86 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 54 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 49 graduates)
- Applied Mathematics (Master's Degree, 47 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 44 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (40 programs)▼
- Psychology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Economics
- Political Science and Government
- Geography and Cartography
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer Science
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Social Sciences, Other
- Fine and Studio Arts
- History
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Sociology
- International/Global Studies
- Education, Other
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Music
- Physics
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Area Studies
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Communication and Media Studies
- Social Work
- Marketing
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Online Master's Degrees (20 programs)▼
- Applied Mathematics
- Geography and Cartography
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Education, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Social Sciences, Other
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Public Health
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Economics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Physics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Chemistry
- Marketing
Online Doctoral Degrees (10 programs)▼
- Geography and Cartography
- Economics
- Psychology, General
- Physics
- History
- Biology, General
- Chemistry
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Education, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (5 programs)▼
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Human Services, General
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Social Work
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,214
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 43.5%
- Female Students 56.5%
- Caucasian 62.0%
- Asian 6.9%
- Hispanic 13.0%
- Black 5.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 23.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Clark University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Clark University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Clark University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Clark University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 23.1% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Clark University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Clark University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Clark University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -57.3% ROI. Ranked #1182 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $28,714 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $49,022 median earnings. With 76.9% graduating within six years and 86.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Clark University's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1182 ranking, Clark University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $28,714 annually, Clark University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 86.2% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $20,100 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -57.3% ROI and $49,022 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $18,714+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Clark University ranks #1182 of 1942 institutions, with 1334 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 76.9% six-year graduation rate sits 14.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 86.2% first-year retention is 9.4 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -57.3% return on investment is 142.6 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $49,022 run about 12% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $28,714 is roughly $8,696 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 86.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 28.4% employment rate within three years sits 39.8 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $28,714 is about $8,696 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 23.1% trails the national share by 11.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Worcester, MA, Clark University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B- from EDsmart. It holds a #1182 national ranking Completion earns A-, Support A-, Career Outcomes C-, and Affordability C.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 86.2% of first-year students return, and roughly 76.9% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -57.3%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $28,714 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $68,432.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $39,718 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $22,141 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 23.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $49,022 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 12% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 28.4% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -57.3%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
39.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Clark University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Worcester, MA 01610-1477
- Website www.clarku.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$451.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate15.3%