Clark University vs. Bard College

Comparable Facts

Compare Clark University in Worcester, MA with Bard College in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clark University is larger than Bard College based on total student enrollment (3,925 students vs. 2,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Bard College is in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting).
• Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark University 8:1; Bard College 9:1.

Clark University vs. Bard College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clark University or Bard College? 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 Bard College than Clark University ($29,320 vs. $33,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 33.7% lower than at Bard College ($12,500 vs. $18,852).
• Bard College is 12.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clark University (about $7,569 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.9% higher at Bard College than at Clark University (about $7,569 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Bard College (99% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 59.3% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($55,235 vs. $34,667).

Clark University vs. Bard College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark University (1370) is 10 points higher than at Bard College (1360).
• Incoming Clark University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Bard College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 1288/1460; Bard College 1270/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 30/33; Bard College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clark University - Test optional; Bard College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027; Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• Bard College has a higher acceptance rate (52.1%) than Clark University (39.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 12.8% at Bard College.

Clark University vs. Bard College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clark University and Bard College? 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 Bard College's (76%).
• Graduates from Clark University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bard College graduates have a $806 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($26,194 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bard College graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($270 vs. $279).
• More Clark University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bard College students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 81%)

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.