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Clark University vs Emerson College

Clark University is a private university in Worcester, MA, and Emerson College is a private college in Boston, MA. Clark University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 40% of applicants against 51% at Emerson College. Clark University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $28,714 a year against $49,180 at Emerson College. About 78% of students graduate at Emerson College, compared with 77% at Clark University. Ten years after enrolling, Emerson College alumni earn a median of about $62,832, against $62,381 for Clark University.

Clark University

Worcester, MA · Private

Emerson College

Boston, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Worcester, MA
Boston, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,214
3,870
Acceptance rate
40%
51%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1288–1460
1270–1420
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
29–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,714
$49,180
Full cost / yr
$68,432
$80,399
In-state tuition
$58,867
$57,056
Out-of-state tuition
$58,867
$57,056
Application fee
$0
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,188
$32,650
$30k - $48k
$13,313
$32,621
$48k - $75k
$21,971
$41,927
$75k - $110k
$25,062
$46,252
Over $110k
$39,035
$57,288
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
78%
Freshman retention
86%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,022
$42,799
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,381
$62,832
Median debt at graduation
$26,759
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
16%
First-generation students
16%
13%
International students
6%
15%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Clark University or Emerson College harder to get into?
Clark University is harder to get into. It admits about 40% of applicants, compared with 51% at Emerson College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Clark University or Emerson College?
Clark University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,714 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $49,180 at Emerson College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Clark University and Emerson College?
Before aid, Clark University costs about $68,432 a year and Emerson College about $80,399. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Clark University or Emerson College?
Clark University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $18,188 there, against about $32,650 at Emerson College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Clark University or Emerson College?
Emerson College is the larger of the two, with about 3,870 undergraduates against 2,214 at Clark University.
Does Clark University or Emerson College have a better graduation rate?
Emerson College has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 77% at Clark University.
Do graduates of Clark University or Emerson College earn more?
Emerson College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,832 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,381 for Clark University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Clark University and Emerson College require SAT or ACT scores?
Clark University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Emerson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Clark University and Emerson College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1288–1460 at Clark University and 1270–1420 at Emerson College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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