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Clark University

Worcester, MA·Private nonprofit·2,214 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; generous financial aid cuts net price well below sticker.

40%
Accept
2,214
Students
$28,714
Net Price
77%
Grad Rate
$54,700
Earnings
10 yr
$26,759
Debt

About This School

Clark University is a private nonprofit institution located in Worcester, Massachusetts with approximately 2,214 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 40% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $28,714 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
Avg Faculty Salary
$12,471

Popular Programs

Psychology19%
Social Sciences16%
Visual & Performing Arts9%
Biological Sciences9%
Business & Marketing7%
Computer Science3%
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

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1370
Reading 75th %ile740
Math 75th %ile720

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite29

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$58,867
Out-of-State Tuition
$58,867
Avg Net Price
$28,714
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$18,188
$30–48k$13,313
$48–75k$21,971
$75–110k$25,062
$110k+$39,035

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants23%
Median debt at graduation$26,759

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
77%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
86%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$54,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$26,759
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$41,700
Female graduates$36,100

Gap: 13% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$26,759
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$54,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.0x

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

White62%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino13%
Asian7%
Two or more races5%
International6%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,214 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.
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