Clark University vs. Northeastern

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern University is larger than Clark University based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 3,925 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Northeastern University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark University 8:1; Northeastern University 16:1.

Clark University vs. Northeastern Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clark University or Northeastern? 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 Northeastern ($33,865 vs. $34,207).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 36.2% lower than at Northeastern University ($12,500 vs. $19,580).
• Northeastern University is 12.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clark University (about $7,295 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.4% higher at Northeastern than at Clark University (about $7,295 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Northeastern University (99% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University students is 45.4% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($50,421 vs. $34,667).

Clark University vs. Northeastern Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University (1490) is 120 points higher than at Clark University (1370).
• Incoming Northeastern 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; Northeastern University 1440/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 30/33; Northeastern University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clark University - Test optional; Northeastern - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027; Northeastern Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Clark University (3.69).
• Clark University has a higher acceptance rate (39.5%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 53.8% at Northeastern.

Clark University vs. Northeastern Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clark University and Northeastern? 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 Northeastern University's (77%).
• Graduates from Northeastern University earn a median of about $19,400 more per year than Clark University graduates about ten years after starting college ($69,500 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clark University graduates have a $875 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Clark University graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($279 vs. $288).
• More Clark University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 79%)

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.