Clark University vs. Emerson

Comparable Facts

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

Emerson College is larger than Clark University based on total student enrollment (5,263 students vs. 3,925 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Emerson College is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Emerson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark University 8:1; Emerson College 14:1.

Clark University vs. Emerson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clark University or Emerson? 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 Clark University than Emerson ($33,865 vs. $53,432).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 40.2% lower than at Emerson College ($12,500 vs. $20,920).
• Clark University is 3.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Emerson (about $1,811 more per year; $58,867.00 vs. $57,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.2% higher at Clark University than at Emerson College (about $1,811 more per year; $58,867.00 vs. $57,056.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Emerson College (99% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark University students is 28.4% larger than aid received by Emerson College students ($34,667 vs. $26,997).

Clark University vs. Emerson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark University (1370) is 20 points higher than at Emerson (1350).
• Incoming Clark University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Emerson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 1288/1460; Emerson College 1270/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 30/33; Emerson College 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clark University - Test optional; Emerson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027; Emerson Feb 20, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Emerson students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Clark University (3.69).
• Emerson has a higher acceptance rate (51.3%) than Clark University (39.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 15.5% at Emerson.

Clark University vs. Emerson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Emerson College's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Clark University's (80%).
• Graduates from Clark University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Emerson graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Emerson College graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($23,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Emerson graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($242 vs. $279).
• More Clark University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Emerson students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

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.