Clark University vs. Cornell

Comparable Facts

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

Cornell University is larger than Clark University based on total student enrollment (26,793 students vs. 3,925 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Cornell University is in Ithaca, NY (Small City setting).
• Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark University 8:1; Cornell University 9:1.

Clark University vs. Cornell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clark University or Cornell? 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 Cornell University than Clark University ($26,361 vs. $33,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 35.7% lower than at Cornell University ($12,500 vs. $19,428).
• Cornell University is 17.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clark University (about $10,447 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.7% higher at Cornell than at Clark University (about $10,447 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Cornell University (99% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell University students is 78.2% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($61,779 vs. $34,667).

Clark University vs. Cornell Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell University (1540) is 170 points higher than at Clark University (1370).
• Incoming Cornell 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: Clark University 1288/1460; Cornell University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 30/33; Cornell University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clark University - Test optional; Cornell - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027; Cornell Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cornell students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Clark University (3.69).
• Clark University has a higher acceptance rate (39.5%) than Cornell (8.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 63.9% at Cornell.

Clark University vs. Cornell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Cornell University's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Clark University's (80%).
• Graduates from Cornell University earn a median of about $48,300 more per year than Clark University graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,400 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $15,000 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($12,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $155 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($124 vs. $279).
• More Cornell 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.