AU vs. Clark University

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with Clark University in Worcester, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than Clark University based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 3,925 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Clark University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Clark University 8:1.

AU vs. Clark University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Clark University? 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 Clark University than AU ($33,865 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 30.5% lower than at American University ($12,500 vs. $17,982).
• Clark University is 0.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $96 more per year; $58,867.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.2% higher at Clark University than at American University (about $96 more per year; $58,867.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at American University (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 4.9% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($36,349 vs. $34,667).

AU vs. Clark University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is the same as at Clark University (1370).
• Incoming Clark University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at AU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Clark University 1288/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Clark University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Clark University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Clark University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Clark University (3.69).
• AU has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than Clark University (39.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 10.7% at Clark University.

AU vs. Clark University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Clark University? 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).

• Clark University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than American University's (77%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $14,700 more per year than Clark University graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Clark University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

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.