Clark University vs. RISD

Comparable Facts

Compare Clark University in Worcester, MA with Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clark University is larger than RISD based on total student enrollment (3,925 students vs. 2,520 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Rhode Island School of Design is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rhode Island School of Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark University 8:1; Rhode Island School of Design 8:1.

Clark University vs. RISD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clark University or RISD? 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 RISD ($33,865 vs. $43,492).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 24.8% lower than at Rhode Island School of Design ($12,500 vs. $16,626).
• Rhode Island School of Design is 6.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clark University (about $3,821 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.5% higher at RISD than at Clark University (about $3,821 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Rhode Island School of Design (99% vs. 31%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rhode Island School of Design students is 10.3% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($38,223 vs. $34,667).

Clark University vs. RISD Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rhode Island School of Design (1460) is 90 points higher than at Clark University (1370).
• Incoming RISD 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; Rhode Island School of Design 1396/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 30/33; Rhode Island School of Design 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clark University - Test optional; RISD - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027; RISD Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RISD students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Clark University (3.69).
• Clark University has a higher acceptance rate (39.5%) than RISD (18.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 41.5% at RISD.

Clark University vs. RISD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Rhode Island School of Design's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Clark University's (80%).
• Graduates from Rhode Island School of Design earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Clark University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rhode Island School of Design and Clark University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Rhode Island School of Design and Clark University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More RISD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clark University students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.