Clark University
About Clark University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Clark University is a private research university in Worcester, Massachusetts. Founded in 1887 as the first all-graduate institution in the country, it offers strong programs in psychology, geography, economics, and the sciences, with a tradition of academic innovation.
Founded
1887
Location
Worcester, Massachusetts
Students
3,873
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
39.5%
Selective
Graduation Rate
76.9%
Near national average
Tuition
$58,867
Per year
Avg Net Price
$28,714
After financial aid
SAT Average
1370
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$62,381
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
39.5 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
Clark University accepts 39.5% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1370 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1370/ 1600
ACT Scores
29/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
76.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
86.2%
4-Year Grad
75%
6-Year Grad
79%
Teaching Quality
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$19.1K
Class Size
Small
75% of students graduate on time, and 100% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$58,867
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,500
Books & Supplies
$900
Total Cost of Attendance
$68,432
After Financial Aid
$28,714
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$18,188
Receive Grants
23.1%
Take Loans
57.8%
Don't let the $58,867 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $28,714 after financial aid, a 51% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $18,188.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Clark University fund their education.
While in School
23.1%
Get Grants
Free money
57.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$77,506
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$26,759
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$284/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $26,759 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $62K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Clark University.
Gender
56.6%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,214
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,659
Graduates
16.3%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
1%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 16.3% are first-generation college students. 5.7% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
2,214
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Clark University fields 11 varsity teams with 374 student athletes, about 17% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III without football
Conference
NEWMAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Lacrosse
Student Athletes
374
17% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
48% / 52%
181
Men
193
Women
7
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Clark Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$62,381
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$33K
112 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$43K
50 grads
1yr Earnings
Graphic Communications
—
47 grads
Biology, General
$38K
42 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$34K
38 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$34K
38 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $49K at six years, $45K at eight, and $62K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Clark University
What is the acceptance rate at Clark University?▾
How much does Clark University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Clark University?▾
How much do Clark University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.