Amherst vs. Clark University

Comparable Facts

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

Clark University is larger than Amherst based on total student enrollment (3,925 students vs. 1,914 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Amherst College is located in Amherst, MA (Town Fringe setting); Clark University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Amherst College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Amherst College 6:1; Clark University 8:1.

Amherst vs. Clark University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Amherst 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 Amherst College than Clark University ($19,049 vs. $33,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 32% lower than at Amherst College ($12,500 vs. $18,390).
• Amherst College is 19.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clark University (about $11,613 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.7% higher at Amherst than at Clark University (about $11,613 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Amherst College (99% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Amherst College students is 97.9% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($68,591 vs. $34,667).

Amherst vs. Clark University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Amherst 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 Amherst.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Amherst College (1540) is 170 points higher than at Clark University (1370).
• Incoming Amherst 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: Amherst College 1490/1580; Clark University 1288/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Amherst College 33/35; Clark University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Amherst - Test optional; Clark University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Amherst Jan 2, 2027; Clark University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Amherst 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 Amherst (9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Amherst vs. 10.7% at Clark University.

Amherst vs. Clark University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Amherst 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).

• Amherst College's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Clark University's (80%).
• Graduates from Amherst College earn a median of about $31,900 more per year than Clark University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,000 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Amherst College graduates have a $14,025 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($12,975 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Amherst graduates have an estimated $145 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($134 vs. $279).
• More Amherst graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clark University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.