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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

Pioneering research, transformative education, and a legacy of global impact.

Clark University, a private research university nestled in Worcester, Massachusetts, stands as a beacon of innovation and academic excellence. Founded in 1887 by prominent businessman Jonas Gilman Clark, it holds the distinction of being the first all-graduate institution in the U.S., a testament to its early commitment to advanced scholarship and research. Today, Clark is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity," continually pushing the boundaries of knowledge and fostering an environment where students are encouraged to "Challenge Convention. Change our World."

From its foundational role in American psychology, where the American Psychological Association was founded and notable figures like G. Stanley Hall and Francis Sumner made their mark, to its strengths in geography, management, and now, game design through the Becker School of Design and Technology, Clark offers a diverse and dynamic academic landscape. Students can explore 46 majors, minors, and concentrations across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, with the flexibility to design specialized majors or engage in pre-professional programs. Being part of the Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts also allows for exciting cross-registration opportunities at other local institutions.

Beyond the classroom, Clark provides a vibrant student experience within a midsize city setting. As the Clark Cougars, students compete in 17 NCAA Division III varsity sports, fostering teamwork and spirit. The university's rich history, marked by visionary leaders and groundbreaking research, has produced inventors of the wind chill factor and the birth control pill, as well as numerous business executives and public servants. For prospective students and families, Clark offers a unique blend of historical prestige, cutting-edge research, and a supportive community dedicated to making a tangible difference in the world.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Established in 1887, Clark was the first all-graduate institution in the United States, emphasizing advanced research.
  • ✦Classified as an "R2: Doctoral University – High research activity," reflecting its commitment to groundbreaking scholarship.
  • ✦Home to the founding of the American Psychological Association in 1892 by its first president, G. Stanley Hall.
  • ✦Offers 46 majors, minors, and concentrations, with opportunities for specialized majors and cross-registration within a consortium of local universities.
  • ✦Notable alumni include inventors of the wind chill factor and the birth control pill, alongside prominent figures in psychology and public service.
  • ✦Houses the Becker School of Design and Technology, carrying on renowned game design programs.
  • ✦Private research university with an endowment of approximately $0.5 billion, serving 3,559 students.

Timeline

1887
Founded by Jonas Gilman Clark; charter enacted by Massachusetts Legislature.
1889
Opened as the first all-graduate university in the U.S.
1900
Jonas G. Clark died; Clark University became one of 14 founding members of the Association of American Universities.
1902
Clark College (undergraduate) opened; first undergraduates entered the university.
1921
Graduate School of Geography (GSG) founded by Wallace Walter Atwood.
1942
Women were first enrolled at Clark University.
1982
School of Management (SOM) founded.
1999
Clark University withdrew its membership from the Association of American Universities.
2021
Opened the Becker School of Design and Technology following the closure of Becker College.
🏛️
139 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

5 notable schools within Clark University

🏫

School of Management (SOM)

Founded in 1982, offering master's and undergraduate degrees in management, marketing, and innovation and entrepreneurship.

🎓

Graduate School of Geography (GSG)

Founded in 1921, offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, and home to Clark Labs (IDRISI GIS and TerrSet software).

🏫

School of Professional Studies (SPS)

Offering bachelor's degrees, various master's degrees (MPA, MSPC, MSIT), and certificates, with branch campuses and joint programs internationally.

🏫

Frances L. Hiatt School of Psychology

Offers undergraduate and doctoral degrees, known for its foundational role in American psychology and early research in rat behavior.

🏫

Gustaf H. Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Offers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees, including a 3/2 engineering program with Columbia University, with a history of prominent research in chemistry.

Leadership

President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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