Clark University vs. Vassar

Comparable Facts

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

Clark University is larger than Vassar based on total student enrollment (3,925 students vs. 2,462 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clark University vs. Vassar Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clark University or Vassar? 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 Vassar College than Clark University ($29,981 vs. $33,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 31.5% lower than at Vassar College ($12,500 vs. $18,240).
• Vassar College is 20.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clark University (about $12,163 more per year; $71,030.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.7% higher at Vassar than at Clark University (about $12,163 more per year; $71,030.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Vassar College (99% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vassar College students is 65.7% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($57,443 vs. $34,667).

Clark University vs. Vassar Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vassar College (1500) is 130 points higher than at Clark University (1370).
• Incoming Vassar 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; Vassar College 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 30/33; Vassar College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clark University - Test optional; Vassar - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027; Vassar Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vassar students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Clark University (3.69).
• Clark University has a higher acceptance rate (39.5%) than Vassar (18.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 28.8% at Vassar.

Clark University vs. Vassar Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Vassar College's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Clark University's (80%).
• Graduates from Vassar College earn a median of about $8,300 more per year than Clark University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,400 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vassar College graduates have a $11,220 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($15,780 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Vassar graduates have an estimated $116 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($163 vs. $279).
• More Vassar graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clark University students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.