Academic Comparison between Salem State and Clark

Salem State University and Clark University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and Clark is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Worcester, MA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Salem State is a public and Clark is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Clark has more expensive tuition & fees ($58,467) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to Clark than Salem State.
  • Salem State has more students with 6,230 students while Clark has 3,925 students.
  • Clark has a lower number of students per faculty with 8 to 1 while Salem State's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • Salem State has more full-time faculties with 296 faculties while Clark has 242 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Clark University
Salem, MassachusettsLocationWorcester, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
2025 Tuition & Fees$58,467
72%% Receiving Financial Aid96%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$33,077
95.88 %Acceptance Rates39.54 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)10.73 %
-SAT Score1,358
-ACT Score31
50 %Graduation Rate77 %
-Transfer-out Rate15 %
75 %Retention Rate86 %
6,230Student Population3,925
296Number of Faculties242
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio8 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services