Clark University vs. Columbia

Comparable Facts

Compare Clark University in Worcester, MA with Columbia University in the City of New York in New York, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia University in the City of New York is larger than Clark University based on total student enrollment (35,173 students vs. 3,925 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Columbia University in the City of New York is in New York, NY (Large City setting).
• Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark University 8:1; Columbia University in the City of New York 6:1.

Clark University vs. Columbia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clark University or Columbia? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Columbia University in the City of New York than Clark University ($22,520 vs. $33,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 28.9% lower than at Columbia University in the City of New York ($12,500 vs. $17,580).
• Columbia University in the City of New York is 22% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clark University (about $12,978 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22% higher at Columbia than at Clark University (about $12,978 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Columbia University in the City of New York (99% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia University in the City of New York students is 93.3% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($67,010 vs. $34,667).

Clark University vs. Columbia Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clark University or Columbia? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Columbia and Clark University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia University in the City of New York (1550) is 180 points higher than at Clark University (1370).
• Incoming Columbia students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at Clark University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 1288/1460; Columbia University in the City of New York 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 30/33; Columbia University in the City of New York 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clark University - Test optional; Columbia - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027; Columbia Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Clark University (3.69).
• Clark University has a higher acceptance rate (39.5%) than Columbia (4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 64.9% at Columbia.

Clark University vs. Columbia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clark University and Columbia? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Columbia University in the City of New York's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Clark University's (80%).
• Graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York earn a median of about $57,500 more per year than Clark University graduates about ten years after starting college ($107,600 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia University in the City of New York graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Clark University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 76%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.