Clark University vs. Swarthmore

Comparable Facts

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

Clark University is larger than Swarthmore based on total student enrollment (3,925 students vs. 1,623 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Swarthmore College is in Swarthmore, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Swarthmore College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark University 8:1; Swarthmore College 7:1.

Clark University vs. Swarthmore Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clark University or Swarthmore? 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 Swarthmore College than Clark University ($22,469 vs. $33,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 38.4% lower than at Swarthmore College ($12,500 vs. $20,308).
• Swarthmore College is 11.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clark University (about $6,627 more per year; $65,494.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.3% higher at Swarthmore than at Clark University (about $6,627 more per year; $65,494.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Swarthmore College (99% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Swarthmore College students is 77.8% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($61,634 vs. $34,667).

Clark University vs. Swarthmore Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Swarthmore College (1530) is 160 points higher than at Clark University (1370).
• Incoming Swarthmore 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; Swarthmore College 1490/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 30/33; Swarthmore College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clark University - Test optional; Swarthmore - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027; Swarthmore Jan 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Swarthmore students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Clark University (3.69).
• Clark University has a higher acceptance rate (39.5%) than Swarthmore (7.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 43.8% at Swarthmore.

Clark University vs. Swarthmore Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Swarthmore College's six-year graduation rate (95%) is higher than Clark University's (80%).
• Graduates from Swarthmore College earn a median of about $15,700 more per year than Clark University graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,800 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Swarthmore College graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($19,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Swarthmore graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($201 vs. $279).
• More Swarthmore graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clark University students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.