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Clark University

Worcester, MA·Private nonprofit·2,336 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. strong 77% graduation rate; financial aid brings net price below sticker.

42%
Accept
2,336
Students
$27,711
Net Price
77%
Grad Rate
$54,700
Earnings
10 yr
$22,141
Debt

About This School

Clark University is a private nonprofit institution located in Worcester, Massachusetts with approximately 2,336 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 42% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $27,711 per year. The graduation rate is 77%, and the typical graduate earns $54,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Clark University is a private research university in Worcester, Massachusetts, United States. Founded in 1887 with a large endowment from its namesake Jonas Gilman Clark, a prominent businessman, Clark was one of the first modern research universities in the United States. Originally an all-graduate institution, Clark's first undergraduates entered in 1902 and women were first enrolled in 1942.

Founded in 1887 as one of America's first research universities, this small Worcester school punches above its weight academically, and the median debt of $22,141 at graduation is quite manageable relative to the $54,700 median earnings at the 10-year mark. Worth considering if you want a research-focused environment without the massive campus crowd — the 88% freshman retention rate suggests students who enroll tend to stick around and feel at home. The 77% graduation rate is decent but not exceptional, so if you're someone who needs strong academic support structures, ask pointed questions about what's in place to help students finish.

Founded
1887
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Psychology17%
Social Sciences16%
Biological Sciences11%
Business & Marketing10%
Visual & Performing Arts9%
Computer Science4%
Physical Sciences3%
Education2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Robert H. GoddardPadma LakshmiJohn HeardEdward B. TitchenerSolomon LefschetzAlexander GouldXu ZhimoMargaret Morse NiceLewis TermanArnold GesellCorey CarrierP. C. Chang

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1339
Reading 75th %ile710
Math 75th %ile690

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite29

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$55,160
Out-of-State Tuition
$55,160
Avg Net Price
$27,711
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants21%
Median debt at graduation$22,141

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
77%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
88%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$54,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$22,141
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$22,141
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$54,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.5x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White63%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino12%
Asian7%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,336 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Clark University

950 Main St

Worcester, MA 01610-1477

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Massachusetts

Browse all Massachusetts schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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