Clark University vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

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

Clark University is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (3,925 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark University 8:1; Willamette University 13:1.

Clark University vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clark University or Willamette University? 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 Willamette University than Clark University ($29,421 vs. $33,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 22.6% lower than at Willamette University ($12,500 vs. $16,150).
• Clark University is 15.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $7,711 more per year; $58,867.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.1% higher at Clark University than at Willamette University (about $7,711 more per year; $58,867.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Clark University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 9.8% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($38,080 vs. $34,667).

Clark University vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark University (1370) is 30 points higher than at Willamette University (1340).
• Incoming Clark University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Willamette University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 1288/1460; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark University 30/33; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clark University - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027; Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Clark University (3.69).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Clark University (39.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Clark University vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clark University and Willamette University? 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 Willamette University's (77%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Clark University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Willamette University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Willamette University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Clark University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

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.