Clark University vs. William Paterson University of New Jersey

Comparable Facts

Compare Clark University in Worcester, MA with William Paterson University of New Jersey in Wayne, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

William Paterson University of New Jersey is larger than Clark University based on total student enrollment (9,942 students vs. 3,925 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); William Paterson University of New Jersey is in Wayne, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. William Paterson University of New Jersey is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark University 8:1; William Paterson University of New Jersey 18:1.

Clark University vs. William Paterson University of New Jersey Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clark University or William Paterson University of New Jersey? 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 William Paterson University of New Jersey than Clark University ($13,509 vs. $33,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 23% lower than at William Paterson University of New Jersey ($12,500 vs. $16,240).
• Clark University is 274.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than William Paterson University of New Jersey (about $43,163 more per year; $58,867.00 vs. $15,704.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 132.3% higher at Clark University than at William Paterson University of New Jersey (about $33,523 more per year; $58,867.00 vs. $25,344.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at William Paterson University of New Jersey (99% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark University students is 130.5% larger than aid received by William Paterson University of New Jersey students ($34,667 vs. $15,040).

Clark University vs. William Paterson University of New Jersey Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clark University or William Paterson University of New Jersey? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between William Paterson University of New Jersey and Clark University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Clark University (1370) is 200 points higher than at William Paterson University of New Jersey (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Clark University 1288/1460; William Paterson University of New Jersey 990/1345.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Clark University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clark University - Test optional; William Paterson University of New Jersey - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clark University Jan 15, 2027; William Paterson University of New Jersey Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Clark University students have a 0.72 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at William Paterson University of New Jersey (2.97).
• William Paterson University of New Jersey has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than Clark University (39.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Clark University vs. 12.6% at William Paterson University of New Jersey.

Clark University vs. William Paterson University of New Jersey Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clark University and William Paterson University of New Jersey? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Clark University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than William Paterson University of New Jersey's (46%).
• Graduates from Clark University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than William Paterson University of New Jersey graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $46,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Paterson University of New Jersey graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, William Paterson University of New Jersey graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Clark University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former William Paterson University of New Jersey students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 59%)

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.