Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) vs Clark University

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Clark University, both located in the heart of Massachusetts, offer distinct educational experiences for prospective students. WPI, known for its strong STEM programs, boasts an acceptance rate of 48%, while Clark, with its liberal arts focus, has a slightly higher acceptance rate of 54%. WPI's student body is predominantly male (63%), while Clark's is more evenly balanced, with 49% male and 51% female students. Both universities offer a diverse range of majors, with WPI excelling in engineering, computer science, and robotics, and Clark excelling in psychology, biology, and business administration. WPI's graduation rate stands at 86%, while Clark's is slightly lower at 82%. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these aspects and more, providing valuable insights into the unique strengths and characteristics of each institution

	Clark University	Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Overview
Location	Worcester, Massachusetts	Worcester, Massachusetts
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
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%	94.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	48.0%	60.2%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $100	$70
SAT range	1218 - 1403	N/A
ACT range	27 - 30	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	17.0%
Students submitting ACT score	5.0%
Total number of applicants	8,151	11,092
Total number of admissions given out	3,915	6,679
Admitted students who chose to enroll	505	1,410
Yield rate	12.9%	21.1%
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	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$62,302	$74,271
Average net price	$31,565	$48,230
Tuition	$49,950	$54,640
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,000 Meal plan: $4,150	Room/dormitory: $9,250 Meal plan: $7,030
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	95.0% Average amount $27,608	98.0% Average amount $23,821
Students receiving federal student loan	60.0% Average amount $5,282	51.0% Average amount $5,212
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $16,271	39.0% Average amount $13,871

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,302 Men 42.1% Women 57.9%	5,224 Men 60.3% Women 39.7%
Graduate students	1,048 Men 49.3% Women 50.7%	2,006 Men 68.8% Women 31.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	23.0%	13.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	1,633	2,508
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	Connecticut New York New Hampshire New Jersey Rhode Island

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Mathematics and Statistics Social Sciences Public Administration and Social Service Computer and Information Science	Engineering Computer and Information Science Multidisciplinary Studies Business Mathematics and Statistics
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	79.0%	87.2%
Dropout rate	6.8%	12.2%
Transferred out	14.1%	N/A
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 Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $111,634 Year 2: $119,061 Year 3: $127,598 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,509 Year 2: $96,405 Year 3: $113,831 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $86,601 Year 2: $95,207 Year 3: $109,222 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $100,114 Year 2: $97,959 Year 3: $101,375 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,644 Year 2: $79,598 Year 3: $91,716 Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $82,311 Year 2: $78,814 Year 3: $91,318 Engineering, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $79,688 Year 3: $91,034 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,720 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $82,909 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,868 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $81,510 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,310 Year 2: $72,507 Year 3: $80,789

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic focuses of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Clark University?

WPI is renowned for its STEM-focused education, particularly in engineering, computer science, and robotics. Its project-based curriculum emphasizes practical application and innovation. Clark University, on the other hand, offers a broader liberal arts education with strengths in psychology, geography, international development, and management. While Clark also has STEM programs, its core identity lies in the humanities and social sciences.
How do the campus environments and student cultures differ between WPI and Clark?

WPI's campus culture is often described as collaborative and focused on hands-on learning. Students are deeply involved in projects and teamwork. Clark University fosters a more socially conscious and globally aware environment. Its smaller size promotes close relationships between students and faculty, and there's a strong emphasis on social justice and community engagement.
What is the project-based learning approach at WPI, and does Clark University offer something similar?

WPI's distinctive project-based curriculum, known as the WPI Plan, involves students completing two major projects: the Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP), which addresses a societal problem, and the Major Qualifying Project (MQP), which is a capstone project in their major field. Clark University doesn't have a formal project-based curriculum to the same extent, but it encourages experiential learning through internships, research opportunities, and community-based projects, particularly within its LEEP (Liberal Education and Effective Practice) program.
How do the class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios compare between WPI and Clark?

WPI has a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 14:1, while Clark University's is around 11:1. Clark generally has smaller class sizes, fostering more direct interaction with professors. WPI's class sizes can vary, but the project-based learning often involves smaller teams and close faculty mentorship.
What are the typical career paths for graduates of WPI and Clark University?

WPI graduates often pursue careers in engineering, technology, and research and development. They are well-prepared for roles in industries such as software development, aerospace, and manufacturing. Clark University graduates find careers in a wider range of fields, including education, non-profit organizations, government, business, and research. Their strong liberal arts foundation equips them with critical thinking and communication skills applicable to diverse professions.
How do the research opportunities differ between WPI and Clark University?

WPI offers extensive research opportunities in STEM fields, with numerous labs and research centers focused on areas like robotics, cybersecurity, and materials science. Clark University provides research opportunities across various disciplines, including psychology, geography, environmental science, and economics. Clark's research often has a strong focus on social and environmental issues.
What is the location like for both colleges, and how does it impact student life?

Both WPI and Clark University are located in Worcester, Massachusetts. This provides students with access to a mid-sized city with a growing arts and culture scene. WPI's campus is situated in a more residential area, while Clark's campus is closer to downtown Worcester. Both locations offer opportunities for internships, community engagement, and access to urban amenities.
What are the strengths of each university's approach to STEM education?

WPI excels in providing a hands-on, project-based STEM education that prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce or graduate studies in engineering and related fields. Clark University offers a STEM education grounded in a broader liberal arts context, encouraging interdisciplinary thinking and a focus on the societal implications of scientific advancements. Clark's approach is well-suited for students interested in the intersection of science and policy or social issues.
How do the admissions processes and acceptance rates compare between WPI and Clark University?

Both WPI and Clark University have selective admissions processes. Generally, WPI's acceptance rate is slightly lower than Clark's, reflecting its strong focus on STEM and its reputation as a leading engineering school. Both institutions consider factors such as GPA, standardized test scores (though both are test-optional), essays, and extracurricular activities. WPI places a strong emphasis on demonstrated interest in STEM, while Clark values a commitment to social responsibility and intellectual curiosity.
What are some unique programs or features that distinguish WPI and Clark University?

WPI is uniquely defined by its WPI Plan, which includes the IQP and MQP projects, as well as its seven-week terms. Clark University is known for its LEEP program, which integrates liberal arts education with practical experience, and its strong focus on social justice and global engagement. Clark also has a renowned graduate school of geography.

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