PrivateUrbanClark University
Worcester, Massachusetts 01610-1477
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for psychology
Clark University is a private institution in Worcester with particular strength in psychology and biology. With an average SAT of 1339, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 2.3K undergraduates with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
77% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $62,381 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $27,711.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •Clark founded the university with an endowment of one million dollars, and later added another million dollars because he feared the university might someday face a lack of funds.
- •Opening on October 2, 1889, Clark was the first all-graduate university in the United States, with departments in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and psychology.
- •Faculty of the "Psychological" department in 1893 includes Franz Boas (seated, second from left) and president G.
- •Stanley Hall was appointed the first president of Clark University in 1888.
- •He had been a professor of psychology and pedagogy at Johns Hopkins University, which had been founded just a few years prior and was quickly becoming a model of the modern research university.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1339
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 1
Decision by December 15
Aid deadline: November 1
Early Action
November 1
Decision by December 15
Regular Decision
January 15
Decision by April 1
Reply by May 1
Clark University is test-optional. Students may submit SAT or ACT scores if they wish.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
Transfer Admission
Fall Transfer
June 1
Spring Transfer
November 1
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Need-blind for domestic students.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
42.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.9%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$22,141
Academics
Clark has Liberal Education and Effective Practice (LEEP) program with Program of Perspective requirements.
Research: Strong undergraduate research culture with funded summer research programs.
View all 21 majors›
Programs (82)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
After Graduation
Top Employers
Top Graduate Schools
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
88%
Campus Life
Competitive Division III athletics with strong traditions in basketball, soccer, and rowing.
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Themed housing options available including sustainability and wellness houses.
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
20
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MA state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Walkability
Urban campus in residential Worcester neighborhood; walkable to Main South commercial district.
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
Worcester Art Museumwalkable
Major art museum with collection spanning 5,000 years.
EcoTarium
Science and nature museum with planetarium.
Elm Parkwalkable
One of America's oldest public parks, adjacent to campus.
Main Street Districtwalkable
Downtown Worcester with restaurants, shops, and cultural venues.
Days out near Worcester
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Worcester, from real bookable tour times.
- Merrimack College · Southern New Hampshire UniversityTwo states46 days
- Gordon College · Northeastern UniversityBig and small44 days
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst CollegeBig and small25 days