Clark University vs. RPI

Comparable Facts

Compare Clark University in Worcester, MA with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is larger than Clark University based on total student enrollment (7,040 students vs. 3,925 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is in Troy, NY (Small City setting).
• Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark University 8:1; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 14:1.

Clark University vs. RPI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clark University or RPI? 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 RPI ($33,865 vs. $38,887).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 31% lower than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ($12,500 vs. $18,120).
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is 8.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clark University (about $5,214 more per year; $64,081.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.9% higher at RPI than at Clark University (about $5,214 more per year; $64,081.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students is 25.5% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($43,517 vs. $34,667).

Clark University vs. RPI Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1440) is 70 points higher than at Clark University (1370).
• Incoming RPI students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 31 at Clark University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 1288/1460; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1375/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 30/33; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clark University - Test optional; RPI - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027; RPI Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RPI students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at Clark University (3.69).
• RPI has a higher acceptance rate (63.5%) than Clark University (39.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 12.1% at RPI.

Clark University vs. RPI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than Clark University's (80%).
• Graduates from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earn a median of about $32,400 more per year than Clark University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,500 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clark University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than RPI graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Clark University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RPI graduates ($279 vs. $284).
• More RPI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clark University students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.