Clark University vs. RPI

Clark University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Clark University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: Clark University (39.5% admitted vs 63.5%). Typical SAT 1370 vs 1440.
  • Cheaper after aid: Clark University. Average net price is $33,865 vs $38,887 at RPI.
  • Graduation: Clark University 80% vs RPI 84%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: Clark University $50,100 vs RPI $82,500 (median).
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Key differences

Clark University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Acceptance rate
Clark University more selective
Clark University39.5%
RPI63.5%
SAT range (middle 50%)
RPI higher
Clark University1288-1460
RPI1375-1510
Average net price
Clark University $5,022 less
Clark University$33,865
RPI$38,887
In-state tuition
Clark University $5,214 less
Clark University$58,867
RPI$64,081
Out-of-state tuition
Clark University $5,214 less
Clark University$58,867
RPI$64,081
Graduation rate
RPI +4 pts
Clark University80%
RPI84%
Median earnings (10 years)
RPI +$32,400
Clark University$50,100
RPI$82,500

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • Clark University 11,452
  • RPI 17,175
  • Admitted
  • Clark University 4,528
  • RPI 10,901
  • Acceptance rate
  • Clark University 39.5%
  • RPI 63.5%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Clark University 10.7%
  • RPI 12.1%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Clark University 1370
  • RPI 1440
  • Typical ACT score
  • Clark University 31
  • RPI 32
  • Average high school GPA
  • Clark University 3.69
  • RPI 3.88
  • Typical high school grades
  • Clark University A-
  • RPI A
  • Admissions standards
  • Clark University Very High
  • RPI Exceptional
  • Applicant competition
  • Clark University Low
  • RPI Low
  • SAT range
  • Clark University 1288-1460
  • RPI 1375-1510
  • ACT range
  • Clark University 30-33
  • RPI 30-34
  • Submit test scores
  • Clark University Test optional
  • RPI Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Clark University Jan 15, 2027
  • RPI Jan 15, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Clark University $58,867
  • RPI $64,081
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Clark University $58,867
  • RPI $64,081
  • Room & board
  • Clark University $12,500
  • RPI $18,120
  • Average net price
  • Clark University $33,865
  • RPI $38,887
  • Average grant aid
  • Clark University $34,667
  • RPI $43,517
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Clark University 99%
  • RPI 95%
  • Graduation rate
  • Clark University 80%
  • RPI 84%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Clark University $50,100
  • RPI $82,500
  • Making student loan payments
  • Clark University 82%
  • RPI 92%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Clark University $27,000
  • RPI $27,500
  • Median loan payment
  • Clark University $279
  • RPI $284
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Clark University 8:1
  • RPI 14:1
  • Popular majors
  • Clark University
    • Social Sciences (27%)
    • Psychology (17%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (8%)
    • Biology (7%)
    • Communication (7%)
  • RPI
    • Engineering (53%)
    • Computer and Information Sciences (9%)
    • Business (8%)
    • Engineering Technology (5%)
    • Architecture (5%)
  • Location
  • Clark University Worcester, MA
  • RPI Troy, NY
  • Setting
  • Clark University Midsize City
  • RPI Small City
  • Total enrollment
  • Clark University 3,925
  • RPI 7,040
  • Type
  • Clark University Private 4 Year
  • RPI Private 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Clark University #148
  • RPI #130

Comparable Facts

Compare Clark University in Worcester, MA with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is larger than Clark University based on total student enrollment (7,040 students vs. 3,925 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Clark University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is in Troy, NY (Small City setting).
  • Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark University 8:1; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 14:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 31% lower than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ($12,500 vs. $18,120).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 8.9% higher at RPI than at Clark University (about $5,214 more per year; $64,081 vs. $58,867).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (99% vs. 95%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students is 25.5% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($43,517 vs. $34,667).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 1 point higher at RPI than at Clark University (32 vs. 31, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Clark University and RPI.
  • Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027; RPI Jan 15, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at RPI average a 3.88 high school GPA, 0.19 higher than at Clark University (3.69).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 12.1% at RPI.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Clark University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than RPI graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
  • Among borrowers, Clark University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RPI graduates ($279 vs. $284).
  • More RPI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clark University students, three years after graduation (92% vs. 82%).

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

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