Clark University vs. Emerson

Clark University and Emerson College side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Clark University
Emerson College

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: Clark University (39.5% admitted vs 51.3%). Typical SAT 1370 vs 1350.
  • Cheaper after aid: Clark University. Average net price is $33,865 vs $53,432 at Emerson.
  • Graduation: Clark University 80% vs Emerson 81%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: Clark University $50,100 vs Emerson $49,200 (median).
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Key differences

Clark University Emerson College
Acceptance rate
Clark University more selective
Clark University39.5%
Emerson51.3%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Clark University higher
Clark University1288-1460
Emerson1270-1420
Average net price
Clark University $19,567 less
Clark University$33,865
Emerson$53,432
In-state tuition
Emerson $1,811 less
Clark University$58,867
Emerson$57,056
Out-of-state tuition
Emerson $1,811 less
Clark University$58,867
Emerson$57,056
Graduation rate
Emerson +1 pts
Clark University80%
Emerson81%
Median earnings (10 years)
Clark University +$900
Clark University$50,100
Emerson$49,200

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • Clark University 11,452
  • Emerson 10,378
  • Admitted
  • Clark University 4,528
  • Emerson 5,325
  • Acceptance rate
  • Clark University 39.5%
  • Emerson 51.3%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Clark University 10.7%
  • Emerson 15.5%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Clark University 1370
  • Emerson 1350
  • Typical ACT score
  • Clark University 31
  • Emerson 30
  • Average high school GPA
  • Clark University 3.69
  • Emerson 3.73
  • Typical high school grades
  • Clark University A-
  • Emerson A-
  • Admissions standards
  • Clark University Very High
  • Emerson Very High
  • Applicant competition
  • Clark University Low
  • Emerson Low
  • SAT range
  • Clark University 1288-1460
  • Emerson 1270-1420
  • ACT range
  • Clark University 30-33
  • Emerson 29-32
  • Submit test scores
  • Clark University Test optional
  • Emerson Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Clark University Jan 15, 2027
  • Emerson Feb 20, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Clark University $58,867
  • Emerson $57,056
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Clark University $58,867
  • Emerson $57,056
  • Room & board
  • Clark University $12,500
  • Emerson $20,920
  • Average net price
  • Clark University $33,865
  • Emerson $53,432
  • Average grant aid
  • Clark University $34,667
  • Emerson $26,997
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Clark University 99%
  • Emerson 77%
  • Graduation rate
  • Clark University 80%
  • Emerson 81%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Clark University $50,100
  • Emerson $49,200
  • Making student loan payments
  • Clark University 82%
  • Emerson 80%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Clark University $27,000
  • Emerson $23,500
  • Median loan payment
  • Clark University $279
  • Emerson $242
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Clark University 8:1
  • Emerson 14:1
  • Popular majors
  • Clark University
    • Social Sciences (27%)
    • Psychology (17%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (8%)
    • Biology (7%)
    • Communication (7%)
  • Emerson
    • Communication (33%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (29%)
    • English and Literature (19%)
    • Business (14%)
    • Health Professions (2%)
  • Location
  • Clark University Worcester, MA
  • Emerson Boston, MA
  • Setting
  • Clark University Midsize City
  • Emerson Large City
  • Total enrollment
  • Clark University 3,925
  • Emerson 5,263
  • Type
  • Clark University Private 4 Year
  • Emerson Private 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Clark University #148
  • Emerson #208

Comparable Facts

Compare Clark University in Worcester, MA with Emerson College in Boston, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Emerson College is larger than Clark University based on total student enrollment (5,263 students vs. 3,925 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Clark University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Emerson College is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
  • Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Emerson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark University 8:1; Emerson College 14:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 40.2% lower than at Emerson College ($12,500 vs. $20,920).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 3.2% higher at Clark University than at Emerson College (about $1,811 more per year; $58,867 vs. $57,056).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Emerson College (99% vs. 77%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Clark University students is 28.4% larger than aid received by Emerson College students ($34,667 vs. $26,997).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 1 point higher at Clark University than at Emerson (31 vs. 30, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Clark University and Emerson.
  • Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027; Emerson Feb 20, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Emerson average a 3.73 high school GPA, 0.04 higher than at Clark University (3.69).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 15.5% at Emerson.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Emerson College graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($23,500 vs. $27,000).
  • Among borrowers, Emerson graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($242 vs. $279).
  • More Clark University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Emerson students, three years after graduation (82% vs. 80%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.

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