Cost and Financial Aid
If you’re a Clarkie, we want to help you get here.
Through generous need-based aid and merit scholarships, we seek to make a Clark education affordable for every student regardless of income level.
70%
of first-year students receive need-based aid
$44,951
average financial aid package
88%
of all aid awarded are grants that do not have to be repaid
#42
Best Value Schools
(U.S. News and World Report)
Cost of attendance 2024-2025
| Expenses | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $57,440 |
| Room (standard double) | $7,450 |
| Board (standard plan) | $5,050 |
| Student Activity & Programming Fee | $427 |
| Orientation Fee | $400 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $600 |
| Total Billed Charges | $71,367 |
| Other possible expenses | |
| Transportation allowance | $250 |
| Books (estimated) | $900 |
| Miscellaneous (estimated) | $800 |
| Health Insurance* | $2,390 |
| Total Estimated Costs | $75,707 |
*In accordance with Massachusetts State Law, Clark University requires all matriculated full-time and three-quarter-time students to participate in the Student Health Insurance Plan unless proof of comprehensive comparable coverage under a policy filed and approved in the U.S. is provided. More about health insurance.
Types of financial aid
A college education is a significant investment in your future, and we strive to make a Clark education accessible to students from all financial backgrounds. Over 95% of students receive some form of aid from Clark, either merit-based, need-based or both.
Merit-based financial aid
Merit-based financial aid or scholarships are based on your achievements, academic performance, and personal qualities. Some scholarships come from foundations, non-profits, governments, companies, and, of course, colleges and universities. Clark offers several different merit- and achievement-based scholarships. All applicants are automatically considered for these scholarships alongside your application to Clark.
Clark merit scholarships
Merit scholarships are based on your academic performance and potential, accomplishments and talents, and personal qualities you bring to Clark. You are automatically considered for Clark’s merit scholarships; there is no need for a separate application. Merit scholarship decisions are made without consideration of financial need.
Presidential Scholarship
The Presidential Scholarship is a highly esteemed scholarship awarded to approximately five exceptional students annually. It recognizes individuals who stand out due to their outstanding academic achievements and leadership potential, placing them among the top applicants to Clark.
Private scholarships
You may be eligible for additional scholarships offered by local, statewide, and national organizations.
First year scholarshipsNeed-based financial aid
Need-based financial aid is offered to a student based on their family’s financial circumstances. Need-based aid can come in the form of institutional or government grants, which do not need to be repaid, or federal loans. Students must reapply for need-based aid annually. Apply for need-based aid early so that if you’re admitted to Clark, we can provide both your admission decision and financial aid offer at the same time.
FAFSA
US citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-citizens submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Clark’s FAFSA code is 002139, you’ll need that number.
Complete your FAFSACSS Profile
All students including domestic and international students complete the CSS Profile Application. Clark’s CSS Profile code is 3279. The Non-Custodial Parent Profile is not required.
Complete your CSS ProfileStudent Employment
All students can work at Clark, either on campus or in the local community. You can find a job that matches your interests and helps you meet your career goals.
If you qualify for Federal Work-Study, it will be included in your financial aid offer letter.
Additionally, Clark University funds many jobs on campus and in the local Worcester community for students.
If you are an applicant for the Fall 2025 semester and attend high school in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Oregon, Texas, or Washington, you may qualify for our regional incentive grant.
Additional information
Financial aid deadlines
Apply for financial aid early: it’s a good idea to apply for financial aid right after you apply for admission. The FAFSA, CSS Profile and any other required financial aid materials are due by the same deadlines as the application for admission.
| Round | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 1 |
| Early Action | November 1 |
| Early Decision II | January 15 |
| Regular Decision | January 15 |
| Transfer – Fall Semester Start | Rolling, February 1 – May 1 |
| Transfer – Spring Semester Start | Rolling, September 1 – November 1 |
The value of a Clark degree
As president and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association, the trade association of the U.S. video game industry, Stanley Pierre-Louis ’92 touts the cultural impact and career opportunities in top-level game design.
Take the next step
Experience what it’s like to study at a small research university with a strong liberal arts core.
Not ready yet? Contact us to request more information.
Undergraduate Admissions
3 Maywood Street
Worcester, MA 01610
1-508-793-7431
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
Selected Saturdays in the Fall and Spring