Colby College vs. Clark University

Comparable Facts

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

Clark University is larger than Colby College based on total student enrollment (3,925 students vs. 2,412 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colby College is located in Waterville, ME (Remote Town setting); Clark University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Colby College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colby College 9:1; Clark University 8:1.

Colby College vs. Clark University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colby College or Clark 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 Colby College than Clark University ($16,219 vs. $33,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 30.1% lower than at Colby College ($12,500 vs. $17,890).
• Colby College is 18.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clark University (about $10,733 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.2% higher at Colby College than at Clark University (about $10,733 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Colby College (99% vs. 45%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colby College students is 99.6% larger than aid received by Clark University students ($69,201 vs. $34,667).

Colby College vs. Clark University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Colby College or Clark 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 Clark University and Colby College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colby College (1510) is 140 points higher than at Clark University (1370).
• Incoming Colby College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 31 at Clark University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 1460/1550; Clark University 1288/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 32/34; Clark University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colby College - Test optional; Clark University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colby College Jan 1, 2027; Clark University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colby College 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 Colby College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.2% at Colby College vs. 10.7% at Clark University.

Colby College vs. Clark University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colby College and Clark 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).

• Colby College's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Clark University's (80%).
• Graduates from Colby College earn a median of about $23,300 more per year than Clark University graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,400 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colby College graduates have a $7,655 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($19,345 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Colby College graduates have an estimated $79 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($200 vs. $279).
• More Colby College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clark University students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.