Clark University
Clark University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Clark University at a Glance
Clark University is a private research university in Worcester, Massachusetts, United States. Founded in 1887 with a large endowment from its namesake Jonas Gilman Clark, a prominent businessman, Clark was known as the first all-graduate institution in the U.S. Originally an all-graduate institution, Clark's first undergraduates entered in 1902 and women were first enrolled in 1942.
1887
139 years old
$522M
$522 million (Dec. 2025)
3,559
2,203 undergrad · 1,356 grad
228
72 acres
Identity
Is Clark University Worth It?
Clark University offers moderate value at $28,714/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $62,381, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 77% graduation rate means roughly 23% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Clark University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #6 of 22 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | St Olaf College | 57 | $23,874 | $65,543 |
| #2 | Gettysburg College | 47 | $31,490 | $71,517 |
| #3 | Furman University | 45 | $30,308 | $68,635 |
| #4 | Connecticut College | 43 | $36,175 | $75,001 |
| #5 | St. Francis College | 43 | $18,129 | $58,099 |
| #6 | Clark University | 42 | $28,714 | $62,381 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Clark University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Clark University
The highest-earning program at Clark University is Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods at $35,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is English Language and Literature, General at $24,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods graduate from Clark University earns $35,000, while a English Language and Literature, General graduate earns $24,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for English Language and Literature, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $28,714/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $35,000 | $35,000 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $28,900 | $28,900 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $27,100 | $27,100 | $26,000 |
| Political Science and Government | $25,500 | $25,500 | $26,646 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $24,900 | $24,900 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in MA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Worcester, MA
- Student Body
- 2,214 students
- Admission Rate
- 40%
- Graduation Rate
- 77%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $28,714
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $62,381
- Median Student Debt
- $26,759