Clark University vs. Elms College

Comparable Facts

Compare Clark University in Worcester, MA with College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clark University is larger than Elms College based on total student enrollment (3,925 students vs. 1,268 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); College of Our Lady of the Elms is in Chicopee, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. College of Our Lady of the Elms is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark University 8:1; College of Our Lady of the Elms 11:1.

Clark University vs. Elms College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clark University or Elms 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 College of Our Lady of the Elms than Clark University ($19,870 vs. $33,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 19.9% lower than at College of Our Lady of the Elms ($12,500 vs. $15,605).
• Clark University is 35.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elms College (about $15,542 more per year; $58,867.00 vs. $43,325.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.9% higher at Clark University than at College of Our Lady of the Elms (about $15,542 more per year; $58,867.00 vs. $43,325.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of Our Lady of the Elms than at Clark University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark University students is 2.6% larger than aid received by College of Our Lady of the Elms students ($34,667 vs. $33,794).

Clark University vs. Elms College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark University (1370) is 130 points higher than at Elms College (1240).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 1288/1460; College of Our Lady of the Elms 1150/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clark University - Test optional; Elms College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clark University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Elms College (3.42).
• Elms College has a higher acceptance rate (85.3%) than Clark University (39.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 10.9% at Elms College.

Clark University vs. Elms College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clark University and Elms 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 College of Our Lady of the Elms's (58%).
• Graduates from Clark University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Elms College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $46,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of Our Lady of the Elms graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elms College graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Clark University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elms College students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 61%)

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.