Clark University vs. Smith College

Comparable Facts

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

Clark University is larger than Smith College based on total student enrollment (3,925 students vs. 2,857 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clark University vs. Smith College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clark University or Smith College? 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 Smith College than Clark University ($27,305 vs. $33,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 44.6% lower than at Smith College ($12,500 vs. $22,570).
• Smith College is 10.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clark University (about $6,311 more per year; $65,178.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.7% higher at Smith College than at Clark University (about $6,311 more per year; $65,178.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Smith College (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Smith College students is 69.4% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($58,725 vs. $34,667).

Clark University vs. Smith College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Smith College (1480) is 110 points higher than at Clark University (1370).
• Incoming Smith College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 31 at Clark University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 1288/1460; Smith College 1420/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 30/33; Smith College 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clark University - Test optional; Smith College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027; Smith College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Smith College students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Clark University (3.69).
• Clark University has a higher acceptance rate (39.5%) than Smith College (21%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 35.4% at Smith College.

Clark University vs. Smith College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clark University and Smith College? 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).

• Smith College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Clark University's (80%).
• Graduates from Clark University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than Smith College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Smith College graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($19,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Smith College graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($196 vs. $279).
• More Clark University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Smith College 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.