Clark University vs. Penn

Comparable Facts

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

University of Pennsylvania is larger than Clark University based on total student enrollment (29,109 students vs. 3,925 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clark University vs. Penn Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clark University or Penn? 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 University of Pennsylvania than Clark University ($23,570 vs. $33,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 34.8% lower than at University of Pennsylvania ($12,500 vs. $19,174).
• University of Pennsylvania is 16.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clark University (about $9,819 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.7% higher at Penn than at Clark University (about $9,819 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at University of Pennsylvania (99% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Pennsylvania students is 88.8% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($65,458 vs. $34,667).

Clark University vs. Penn Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Pennsylvania (1540) is 170 points higher than at Clark University (1370).
• Incoming Penn students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 31 at Clark University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 1288/1460; University of Pennsylvania 1510/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 30/33; University of Pennsylvania 34/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clark University - Test optional; Penn - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027; Penn Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Clark University (3.69).
• Clark University has a higher acceptance rate (39.5%) than Penn (5.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 68% at Penn.

Clark University vs. Penn Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• University of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Clark University's (80%).
• Graduates from University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $73,500 more per year than Clark University graduates about ten years after starting college ($123,600 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $6,367 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($20,633 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Penn graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($213 vs. $279).
• More Penn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clark University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.