At $27,711/yr net price, Clark University graduates earn $62,381/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,381/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,711 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $110,844 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,381/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,381/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 77.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,759 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,629/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,377/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,719/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,104/yr |
| $110,001+ | $38,832/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $74,576 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,328 | $32,550 |
| Geography and Cartography. | Doctoral | $57,318 | |
| Geography and Cartography. | Master | $52,733 | |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Master | $48,432 | |
| Biology, General. | Master | $46,087 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $44,418 | |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | Master | $39,639 | |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $37,568 | |
| Public Administration. | Master | $37,208 |
The Risk Factor
77.1% of students at Clark University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 23% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Clark University delivers solid financial returns with median graduates earning $62,381 ten years out while carrying manageable debt of $26,759. Your investment breaks even in roughly six years, making this a financially sound choice for most majors.
Computer Science stands out as Clark's strongest financial program, with graduates earning $74,576 annually. Business Administration also performs well at $64,328, though you'll graduate with higher debt at $32,550. Geography programs show mixed results, with one track hitting $57,318 and another falling to $52,733. Natural Resources Conservation lags behind at $48,432, which may not justify the full cost of attendance.
Clark's location in Worcester creates both opportunities and limitations. You'll have access to Boston's job market an hour away, but local opportunities remain more limited. The 77% graduation rate signals that some students struggle to complete their programs, creating financial risk if you don't finish.
This school works best if you're pursuing Computer Science or Business, can handle the academic rigor to stay in the 87% who return for sophomore year, and don't mind the Worcester location. Avoid Clark if you're considering lower-earning majors like Natural Resources or need significant financial aid, since only 21% of students receive assistance.
Clark offers merit scholarships but doesn't provide aid to most students. Your best cost strategy involves graduating on time in a higher-earning major and leveraging the school's proximity to Boston for internships and job opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clark University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Clark University's 10-year median earnings of $62,381 are below average for its $27,711 annual net price. With typical debt of $26,759, graduates need about 5-6 years to pay off loans, which is reasonable but not exceptional.
What are the best paying majors at Clark University?
Computer Science graduates earn the most at $74,576 after 10 years, followed by Business majors at $64,328. Geography and Natural Resources programs show lower returns around $48,000-$57,000.
Does Clark University provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
Clark's net price of $27,711 suggests decent financial aid since the sticker price is higher. However, this still leaves most students with significant debt relative to post-graduation earnings.
What are the biggest financial risks of attending Clark University?
With a 77% graduation rate, about 1 in 4 students don't finish, risking debt without a degree. Lower-paying majors may struggle to justify the cost, especially if students borrow beyond the median debt amount.