Clark University vs Suffolk

Clark University and Suffolk University, both located in Massachusetts, offer distinct educational experiences for prospective students. Clark, a private research university in Worcester, boasts a lower acceptance rate (49%) compared to Suffolk's (75%), a private university in Boston. Clark's student body is more diverse, with 43% of undergraduates identifying as students of color, while Suffolk's student body is predominantly White (63%). In terms of popular majors, Clark excels in the social sciences, psychology, and biology, while Suffolk is known for its strong programs in business, law, and public health. With a higher graduation rate (83%) compared to Suffolk's (75%), Clark may be a better choice for students seeking a higher chance of completing their degree. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic goals and preferences.
Clark University logo

Clark University

Suffolk University logo

Suffolk University

Overview

Location Worcester, Massachusetts Boston, Massachusetts
Campus setting City: Midsize City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 87.0% 78.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 48.0% 88.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $60

Graduate: $100
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
SAT range 1218 - 1403 1080 - 1280
ACT range 27 - 30 23 - 29
Students submitting SAT score 17.0% 19.0%
Students submitting ACT score 5.0% 3.0%
Total number of applicants 8,151 7,501
Total number of admissions given out 3,915 6,603
Admitted students who chose to enroll 505 982
Yield rate 12.9% 14.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Not required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $62,302 $66,127
Average net price $31,565 $32,393
Tuition $49,950 $41,242
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,000

Meal plan: $4,150
Room/dormitory: $14,850

Meal plan: $3,646
Available payment plans
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

95.0%
Average amount $27,608
97.0%
Average amount $25,670
Students receiving federal student loan 60.0%
Average amount $5,282
62.0%
Average amount $5,337
Students taking out private loans 9.0%
Average amount $16,271
18.0%
Average amount $16,757

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 2,302
Men 42.1% Women 57.9%
4,227
Men 41.0% Women 59.0%
Graduate students 1,048
Men 49.3% Women 50.7%
2,420
Men 37.1% Women 62.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 23.0% 13.5%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize City: Large
Dormitory capacity 1,633 1,570
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Mississippi New York Connecticut Maine New Jersey New Hampshire Connecticut Rhode Island New York California

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Social Sciences
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Business
  • Legal Profession
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 9:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 79.0% 60.3%
Dropout rate 6.8% 11.5%
Transferred out 14.1% 27.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,601
  • Year 2: $64,328
  • Year 3: $76,941
Geography and Cartography (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,259
  • Year 2: $52,733
  • Year 3: $68,708
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,937
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $58,038
Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $44,649
  • Year 2: $48,432
  • Year 3: $50,210
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,148
  • Year 2: $44,418
  • Year 3: $49,665
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $42,833
  • Year 2: $37,208
  • Year 3: $49,591
Community Organization and Advocacy (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $32,656
  • Year 2: $39,639
  • Year 3: $47,508
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $25,412
  • Year 2: $34,526
  • Year 3: $46,715
Communication and Media Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $31,423
  • Year 3: $46,559
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $37,568
  • Year 3: $46,250
Business/Managerial Economics (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $116,870
  • Year 2: $97,071
  • Year 3: $98,105
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $77,557
  • Year 2: $83,388
  • Year 3: $91,689
Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $90,460
  • Year 2: $87,973
  • Year 3: $90,316
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,669
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $85,861
Taxation (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,980
  • Year 2: $74,576
  • Year 3: $82,759
Marketing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,895
  • Year 2: $76,460
  • Year 3: $81,268
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,555
  • Year 2: $67,273
  • Year 3: $77,798
Law (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,355
  • Year 2: $59,253
  • Year 3: $72,153
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,040
  • Year 2: $52,941
  • Year 3: $67,609
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,995
  • Year 2: $62,260
  • Year 3: $65,266

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the key differences in location between Clark University and Suffolk University?

    Clark University is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a city with a more suburban feel, offering a traditional college town experience. Suffolk University is situated in downtown Boston, providing students with immediate access to a vibrant urban environment, internships, and cultural attractions.

  • How do the academic programs compare at Clark University and Suffolk University?

    Clark University is known for its strong emphasis on research, particularly in areas like psychology, geography, and environmental science. It also offers a unique program called 'Liberal Education and Effective Practice' (LEEP). Suffolk University offers a wide range of programs, with notable strengths in law, business, and government, leveraging its location in Boston for practical experience.

  • What is the student body like at Clark University versus Suffolk University?

    Clark University has a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community and more personalized attention from faculty. Suffolk University has a larger and more diverse student population, reflecting the multicultural environment of Boston. Both universities attract students from various backgrounds.

  • How does the cost of attendance compare between Clark University and Suffolk University?

    The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and room and board, can vary. It's recommended to check the most recent tuition and financial aid information on each university's website. Generally, both are private institutions, and financial aid packages can significantly impact the net cost.

  • What are the housing options like at Clark University and Suffolk University?

    Clark University offers on-campus housing, providing a traditional residential college experience. Suffolk University also offers on-campus housing, but due to its urban location, options may include residence halls and apartments, with some students choosing to live off-campus in the city.

  • How do the campus environments differ between Clark University and Suffolk University?

    Clark University has a more traditional, self-contained campus with green spaces and a classic collegiate atmosphere. Suffolk University's campus is integrated into the city of Boston, with buildings spread throughout the downtown area, offering a more urban and fast-paced environment.

  • What are the career services and internship opportunities like at Clark University and Suffolk University?

    Both universities offer career services to assist students with job searching and career planning. Suffolk University, due to its location in Boston, provides extensive internship opportunities in various industries, including law, business, and government. Clark University also offers internship opportunities, with a focus on research and community engagement, leveraging its connections in the Worcester area and beyond.

  • How do the extracurricular activities and student life compare at Clark University and Suffolk University?

    Both universities offer a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities. Clark University has a strong focus on student research and community involvement. Suffolk University benefits from its location in Boston, providing students with access to a wide range of cultural events, sports, and entertainment options.

  • What are the admission requirements like at Clark University and Suffolk University?

    Admission requirements typically include high school transcripts, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place, so check each university's website), letters of recommendation, and an application essay. Specific requirements and deadlines can vary, so it's essential to consult each university's admissions website for the most up-to-date information.

  • Which university is better for a student interested in a specific field, such as law or psychology?

    Suffolk University is particularly well-regarded for its law school and strong programs in business and government, making it a good choice for students interested in those fields. Clark University is known for its strengths in psychology, geography, and environmental science, making it a good fit for students interested in those areas. Consider your specific academic interests when making your decision.

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