Clark University

Location: Worcester, MA (urban, small city)

Size: 2,241 students

Avg percent need-met: 88%

Acceptance rate: 47%

Middle 50% ACT: 28-33 **Test Optional**

Middle 50% SAT: 1250-1410 **Test Optional**

Clark is both a small liberal arts college and a research university. Professors care deeply about students and push them to engage. The school promotes critical thinking about how students can make the world a better place. Clark also challenges academic conventional methods and emphasizes student growth in and outside of the classroom. Social life revolves around clubs, as Greek life is non-existent. Overall, the student body is a tight-knit community full of passionate people.

Popular majors / known for: Biology, Business, Social Sciences

Academic approach: Liberal arts with an emphasis in learning beyond the classroom

  • Offers an accelerated B.A./ Master’s Program, where you can complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just 5 years, and you may also be eligible to receive a partial or full tuition scholarship for the 5th year.

Campus tradition: Spree day! Each spring, classes are canceled for one fun, relaxing day before finals! Students enjoy playing in bounce houses, listening to live music, and eating yummy food.

Check out campus photos here!

City Connections

Clark University is located in Worcester, MA, a midsize city that has the attitude and spirit of a larger city. There are lots of murals, city parks, and a growing amount of new retail stores, restaurants, and residential spaces.


  • Clark University collaborated with the University Park Partnership to connect Clark students with the surrounding Worcester community. Clark students and faculty teach in neighborhood schools, serve as mentors to Main South neighborhood residents, and conduct research with other UPP organizations.

  • The Career Connections Center helps students find jobs and internships in and outside of the area, connects students with alumni, and more.

  • Many of Clark University’s facilities are open to the public when not in use, including Clark’s Campus Square which is used in the summer as a space that offers a free kid’s recreation program, Granger Fields and Dolan Field House which can be used by neighborhood schools for their athletic programs, and a Boys and Girls Club that serves youth.


Application Details

RD deadline: January 15th

Early Action deadline: November 15th

Supplemental essays: Yes

Application fee: $75 (Waivers available)

On Common App: Yes

CSS profile: Required, due January 15th

Interviews: considered

Extra: Demonstrated interest is considered

School also featured in: Northeast Schools

Page last updated: February 2022