Clark University vs. St Olaf

Comparable Facts

Compare Clark University in Worcester, MA with St Olaf College in Northfield, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clark University is larger than St Olaf based on total student enrollment (3,925 students vs. 3,124 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); St Olaf College is in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting).
• Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. St Olaf College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark University 8:1; St Olaf College 11:1.

Clark University vs. St Olaf Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clark University or St Olaf? 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 St Olaf College than Clark University ($26,756 vs. $33,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 8.3% lower than at St Olaf College ($12,500 vs. $13,630).
• St Olaf College is 1.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clark University (about $893 more per year; $59,760.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.5% higher at St Olaf than at Clark University (about $893 more per year; $59,760.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at St Olaf College than at Clark University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by St Olaf College students is 30.1% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($45,098 vs. $34,667).

Clark University vs. St Olaf Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clark University or St Olaf? 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 St Olaf and Clark University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at St Olaf College (1390) is 20 points higher than at Clark University (1370).
• Incoming Clark University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at St Olaf).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 1288/1460; St Olaf College 1300/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 30/33; St Olaf College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clark University - Test optional; St Olaf - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027; St Olaf Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clark University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at St Olaf (3.68).
• St Olaf has a higher acceptance rate (48.3%) than Clark University (39.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 26.8% at St Olaf.

Clark University vs. St Olaf Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clark University and St Olaf? 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).

• St Olaf College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Clark University's (80%).
• Graduates from St Olaf College earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Clark University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, St Olaf College and Clark University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, St Olaf College and Clark University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More St Olaf graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clark University students, three years after graduation. (91% vs. 82%)

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.