Clark University vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Clark University in Worcester, MA with Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Methodist University is larger than Clark University based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 3,925 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark University 8:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

Clark University vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clark University or SMU? 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 SMU ($33,865 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 34.4% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($12,500 vs. $19,064).
• Southern Methodist University is 13.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clark University (about $8,173 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.9% higher at SMU than at Clark University (about $8,173 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Southern Methodist University (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Methodist University students is 8.2% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($37,520 vs. $34,667).

Clark University vs. SMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is 50 points higher than at Clark University (1370).
• Incoming SMU 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; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 30/33; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clark University - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clark University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at SMU (3.68).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than Clark University (39.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Clark University vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clark University and SMU? 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 Southern Methodist University's (75%).
• Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn a median of about $22,900 more per year than Clark University graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Clark University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SMU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 76%)

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.