Clark University vs. Wellesley

Comparable Facts

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

Clark University is larger than Wellesley based on total student enrollment (3,925 students vs. 2,407 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clark University vs. Wellesley Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clark University or Wellesley? 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 Wellesley College than Clark University ($22,174 vs. $33,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 40.5% lower than at Wellesley College ($12,500 vs. $21,024).
• Wellesley College is 14.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clark University (about $8,309 more per year; $67,176.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.1% higher at Wellesley than at Clark University (about $8,309 more per year; $67,176.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Wellesley College (99% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wellesley College students is 84.9% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($64,116 vs. $34,667).

Clark University vs. Wellesley Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wellesley College (1510) is 140 points higher than at Clark University (1370).
• Incoming Wellesley 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; Wellesley College 1460/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 30/33; Wellesley College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clark University - Test optional; Wellesley - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027; Wellesley Jan 8, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wellesley 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 Wellesley (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 47.6% at Wellesley.

Clark University vs. Wellesley Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Wellesley College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Clark University's (80%).
• Graduates from Wellesley College earn a median of about $18,000 more per year than Clark University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,100 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wellesley College graduates have a $18,100 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($8,900 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Wellesley graduates have an estimated $187 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($92 vs. $279).
• More Wellesley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clark University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.