Western New England University (WNE) vs Clark University

Western New England University and Clark University, both located in Massachusetts, offer distinct educational experiences for prospective students. Western New England University, with an acceptance rate of 75%, is more accessible than Clark University, which has a more selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 58%. While Western New England University boasts a larger student body, with over 3,500 undergraduates, Clark University fosters a more intimate learning environment with approximately 2,300 undergraduates. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with popular majors such as Business, Engineering, and Psychology at Western New England University and Psychology, Biology, and Economics at Clark University. To help you make an informed decision about your higher education journey, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into the key differences between these two esteemed institutions, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates.

	Clark University	Western New England University
Overview
Location	Worcester, Massachusetts	Springfield, 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%	77.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	48.0%	89.9%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $100	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1218 - 1403	1128 - 1280
ACT range	27 - 30	24 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	17.0%	18.0%
Students submitting ACT score	5.0%	1.0%
Total number of applicants	8,151	6,385
Total number of admissions given out	3,915	5,739
Admitted students who chose to enroll	505	783
Yield rate	12.9%	13.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$62,302	$52,780
Average net price	$31,565	$30,403
Tuition	$49,950	$37,700
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,000 Meal plan: $4,150	$14,430
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	95.0% Average amount $27,608	97.0% Average amount $23,404
Students receiving federal student loan	60.0% Average amount $5,282	82.0% Average amount $5,613
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $16,271	20.0% Average amount $21,642

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,302 Men 42.1% Women 57.9%	2,583 Men 57.6% Women 42.4%
Graduate students	1,048 Men 49.3% Women 50.7%	1,052 Men 39.1% Women 60.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	23.0%	2.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	1,633	2,000
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	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Mathematics and Statistics Social Sciences Public Administration and Social Service Computer and Information Science	Business Engineering Health Professions Legal Profession Psychology
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	79.0%	63.1%
Dropout rate	6.8%	8.1%
Transferred out	14.1%	28.5%
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	Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $89,184 Year 2: $90,412 Year 3: $99,321 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,853 Year 2: $68,858 Year 3: $77,063 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,070 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $74,341 Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $54,805 Law (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $46,869 Year 3: $50,191 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,294 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,377 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $112,326 Year 2: $117,572 Year 3: N/A Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,276 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,074 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Western New England University (WNE) and Clark University?

Western New England University (WNE) is a private university known for its professional programs, particularly in engineering, business, and law. It offers a more structured and career-focused education. Clark University, also private, emphasizes a liberal arts education with a strong focus on research and social change. Clark is known for its flexible curriculum and opportunities for independent study.
Which university is larger, Western New England University or Clark University?

Western New England University generally has a larger undergraduate student population compared to Clark University. While enrollment numbers can fluctuate, WNE typically enrolls more students overall.
How do the academic reputations of Western New England University and Clark University compare?

Clark University is generally recognized for its strong liberal arts programs and research opportunities, particularly in areas like psychology, geography, and international development. Western New England University is well-regarded for its professional programs, such as engineering, business, and law, offering a more career-oriented academic experience.
What types of academic programs are Western New England University and Clark University best known for?

Western New England University excels in professional fields like engineering, business, and law. Clark University is renowned for its liberal arts programs, particularly in psychology, geography, and international development, with a strong emphasis on research and social impact.
How do the campus environments differ between Western New England University and Clark University?

Western New England University offers a more traditional campus environment with a focus on student life and a strong sense of community. Clark University's campus is more integrated into the city of Worcester, providing students with easy access to urban resources and a more diverse environment.
What is the location of each university and how does that impact student life?

Western New England University is located in Springfield, Massachusetts, offering a more suburban setting. Clark University is situated in Worcester, Massachusetts, a mid-sized city that provides students with access to cultural attractions, internships, and a more urban experience. The location impacts the types of extracurricular activities and internship opportunities available to students.
What are the typical class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios at Western New England University and Clark University?

Both universities strive to maintain relatively small class sizes to foster a more personalized learning environment. However, Clark University generally has a slightly lower student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for more individualized attention from professors. Specific numbers can vary by department and program.
How do the costs of attending Western New England University and Clark University compare?

The cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, and board) can vary between Western New England University and Clark University. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date information on tuition and fees. Both institutions offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help students afford their education.
What types of financial aid and scholarships are available at Western New England University and Clark University?

Both Western New England University and Clark University offer a range of financial aid options, including need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and federal student loans. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for financial aid. Each university also offers its own institutional scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership, and other criteria.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at Western New England University and Clark University?

Both universities provide career services to help students with internships, job searching, and career planning. Western New England University's career services are particularly strong in connecting students with opportunities in engineering, business, and law. Clark University's career services focus on connecting students with opportunities in research, non-profit organizations, and international development. Both universities have strong alumni networks that can provide valuable connections for students.
How do the admission requirements differ between Western New England University and Clark University?

While both universities consider factors like GPA, standardized test scores (if submitted), essays, and letters of recommendation, Clark University places a greater emphasis on a student's demonstrated interest in research and social impact. Western New England University may place more emphasis on a student's aptitude for professional fields like engineering or business. Check each university's admissions website for specific requirements and deadlines.
What are the most popular majors at Western New England University and Clark University?

At Western New England University, popular majors include engineering (especially mechanical and electrical), business administration, and law. At Clark University, popular majors include psychology, political science, biology, and geography.
What is the overall atmosphere and culture like at each university?

Western New England University fosters a close-knit community with a focus on career preparation and professional development. Clark University promotes a more intellectually stimulating and socially conscious environment, encouraging students to engage in research, activism, and global citizenship.
Does either university have a strong focus on graduate programs?

Both universities offer graduate programs, but Clark University has a more significant emphasis on graduate-level research and education, particularly in fields like psychology, geography, and international development. Western New England University's graduate programs are primarily focused on professional fields like engineering, business, and law.
What are some unique programs or opportunities offered at each university?

Clark University is known for its LEEP (Liberal Education and Effective Practice) program, which integrates academic learning with real-world experiences. Western New England University offers a unique 3+3 program that allows students to earn a bachelor's degree and a law degree in six years.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.

Clark University

University of Denver