Bowdoin College vs. Clark University

Comparable Facts

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

Clark University is larger than Bowdoin College based on total student enrollment (3,925 students vs. 1,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowdoin College is located in Brunswick, ME (Distant Town setting); Clark University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Bowdoin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowdoin College 9:1; Clark University 8:1.

Bowdoin College vs. Clark University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowdoin College 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 Bowdoin College than Clark University ($22,228 vs. $33,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 32.4% lower than at Bowdoin College ($12,500 vs. $18,488).
• Bowdoin College is 15.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clark University (about $8,965 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.2% higher at Bowdoin College than at Clark University (about $8,965 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Bowdoin College (99% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bowdoin College students is 81.4% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($62,872 vs. $34,667).

Bowdoin College vs. Clark University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowdoin College 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 Bowdoin College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowdoin College (1510) is 140 points higher than at Clark University (1370).
• Incoming Bowdoin College 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: Bowdoin College 1470/1550; Clark University 1288/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 33/35; Clark University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowdoin College - Test optional; Clark University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowdoin College Jan 5, 2027; Clark University Jan 15, 2027.
• Clark University has a higher acceptance rate (39.5%) than Bowdoin College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.6% at Bowdoin College vs. 10.7% at Clark University.

Bowdoin College vs. Clark University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowdoin College 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).

• Bowdoin College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Clark University's (80%).
• Graduates from Bowdoin College earn a median of about $24,900 more per year than Clark University graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,000 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have a $8,167 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($18,833 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have an estimated $85 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($194 vs. $279).
• More Bowdoin College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clark University students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.