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Clark University

Worcester, MA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Fiat lux (Latin)("Let there be light" Second motto: "Challenge Convention. Change our World.")

1887
Founded
Private research university
Type
2,336
Total Students
2,203
Undergrad
1,356
Graduate
$522M
Endowment
$55K
Tuition (In-State)
$55K
Tuition (Out-State)
$28K
Avg Net Price
42%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Graduation Rate
6-year
88%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: David Fithian

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Clark University

Clark University: A legacy of pioneering research, challenging convention, and global impact.

Clark University stands as a distinguished private research institution in Worcester, Massachusetts, renowned for its commitment to challenging convention and fostering world-changing ideas. Founded in 1887 as the first all-graduate institution in the U.S., Clark has cultivated an environment where groundbreaking research thrives, particularly in fields like psychology and geography. Today, it offers a vibrant academic experience that encourages students to think critically and engage deeply with complex global issues.

Prospective students at Clark can explore a wide array of academic programs, with 46 majors, minors, and concentrations spanning the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and even engineering through a 3/2 program with Columbia University. The university empowers students to design their own specialized majors, fostering a personalized educational journey. As an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" institution and a member of the Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts, Clark provides ample opportunities for advanced study, research, and cross-registration at other esteemed local institutions.

Clark's historical significance is deeply rooted in its innovative beginnings. Led by its first president, G. Stanley Hall, the university played a pivotal role in the development of psychology in the United States, hosting the founding of the American Psychological Association. It was also a founding member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, signaling its early prominence in research and graduate education alongside institutions like Harvard and Yale. This rich history continues to inspire a forward-looking approach, preparing students to become leaders and innovators in their chosen fields.

The student experience at Clark is enriched by its midsize campus and active community. Students can participate in 17 NCAA Division III varsity sports as the Clark Cougars, fostering teamwork and spirit. Beyond the classroom, Clark's core philosophy of "Challenge Convention. Change our World." permeates its academic and extracurricular offerings, encouraging students to actively contribute to solutions for global challenges. This holistic approach ensures graduates are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to make a tangible difference.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1887 as the first all-graduate institution in the U.S.
  • Classified as an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
  • Operates with an endowment of $522 million (as of December 2025).
  • Enrollment of 3,559 students (2,203 undergraduates and 1,356 postgraduates).
  • Played a prominent role in the development of psychology in the U.S. and hosted the founding of the American Psychological Association in 1892.
  • Offers 46 majors, minors, and concentrations across diverse fields, allowing students to design specialized majors.
  • Notable alumni and faculty include inventors of the wind chill factor and the birth control pill, as well as prominent business executives.

Timeline

1887
Jonas Gilman Clark announced his intention to found and endow a university.
1887
Clark University was officially established by an Act of Incorporation.
1888
G. Stanley Hall was appointed the first president of Clark University.
1889
The university opened as the first all-graduate institution in the United States.
1891
The first PhD in anthropology was granted at Clark.
1892
The American Psychological Association was founded at Clark by G. Stanley Hall.
1902
Clark College, an undergraduate institution, opened.
1921
The Graduate School of Geography (GSG) was founded by Wallace Walter Atwood.
1942
Women were first enrolled as students at Clark University.
1999
Clark withdrew its membership from the Association of American Universities (AAU).
🏛️
139 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

5 notable schools within Clark University

🏫

School of Management (SOM)

Founded in 1982, it offers master's degrees and undergraduate courses in management, marketing, and innovation and entrepreneurship.

🎓

Graduate School of Geography (GSG)

Founded in 1921, it offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees and is known for developing the TerrSet geospatial monitoring and modeling software.

🏫

School of Professional Studies (SPS)

Offers bachelor's degrees, a Master in Public Administration (MPA), Master of Science in Public Communication (MSPC), Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT), and various certificates.

🏫

Frances L. Hiatt School of Psychology

Offers undergraduate and doctoral degrees and has played a prominent role in the development of psychology as a discipline in the United States.

🏫

Gustaf H. Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Offers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees, including a 3/2 engineering program with Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Leadership

President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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