Clark University (CU)

Clark University is a liberal arts-based research university where passion meets possibility. Here is where Robert Goddard invented the modern rocket and where Sigmund Freud delivered his only lectures in the United States. At Clark we live our motto — "Challenge Convention. Change Our World." — which is the rallying cry that inspires our community every day. Clark's pioneering education model combines rigorous academics with world and workplace experiences so our students can be imaginative and contributing citizens, advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding, and shape a life and career on their own terms. A Clark student regards the status quo and says, "I can do better."

Clark University was founded in 1887 as the first all-graduate institution in the United States. With about 2,300 undergraduate students, we are a small research university with a liberal arts curriculum. Clark offers more than 50 majors, minors, and interdisciplinary concentrations, allowing students to create unique programs of study. Over one third of Clark students complete one of our 15 tuition-free Accelerated B.A./Master's Degree Programs, earning two degrees in just five years of study.

Clark students (called "Clarkies") are academically curious and passionate about the world around them. They take our motto, "Challenge Convention, Change Our World," to heart, and you'll find them making positive change throughout campus and the community. Clarkies have many interests, which is why so many of them double major and create unique programs of study. Clarkies come from about 40 states and 30 countries around the globe. 60% of students are from out-of-state, and 15% are international students.

With 130+ student clubs and organizations, there's always something to do! Clark purposefully does not have Greek life, and clubs are the heart of social activities. Clark clubs host over 1,000 events every year, including improv comedy shows from the Peapod Squad, Hip Hop Collabo dance performances, and pop-up markets from the Clark Collective. Notably, Clark's Model United Nations Team is ranked top ten in the world's division, making our team one of the best in the country.

Clark is an NCAA Division III school and participates in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC). We have 17 varsity sports teams, and 16% of students participate in varsity sports. Clark also has teams at the intramural and club levels, and over half of all Clarkies participate in athletics and recreation.

Clark's motto is, "Challenge convention. Change our world," and the diverse and motivated student body at the university embodies this mission on a daily basis. There is a strong culture of advocacy, and "most students are involved in some sort of activism on campus." Some examples include the FIRM pantry that helps fight food insecurity and Choices, a peer-led sex education resource that helps make the university "a culturally enriching place that fosters positive change."In general, "Clark students are extremely open-minded, social-justice oriented, and down to earth." And "Clarkies are sensitive to political issues and strive to create a very inclusive space for everyone." The school "truly feels like a community of students who are willing to support and show up for one another." Some other words offered to describe the student body include open-minded, progressive, and accepting. As one student puts it, "No matter who you are, how you identify, or where you're from, the Clark community is one of the most supportive and accepting communities I've ever seen."

Clark University is very supportive of students with many noting the campus "offers lots of opportunities for students to reach their maximum potential [with] a plethora of clubs, educational resources, and easily accessible support." As one student says, "For a small school, we have everything you could imagine when it comes to clubs." Some of the favorites include the "Film Screening Society, which holds lots of fun movie screenings and events," as well as the Clark Musical Theatre club, a Model UN, and the International Game Developers Association. In addition, the sports programs are popular, with many mentioning lacrosse, soccer, tennis, a rowing team, and a swim and dive team as big draws. Wellness opportunities are also abundant on campus-many undergrads attend the various yoga classes and there is a counseling center that offers individual and group counseling. Another popular option is the Clarkies for Kindness organization, that "promotes positivity on campus and makes the environment more friendly and accepting." No matter what students might be interested in, "there is a wide range of ways to fill your days here at Clark." Beyond the campus itself, many students also love to explore the community of Worcester and nearby Boston, taking in the local parks and attractions as well as "trying new restaurants in the city as often as possible, and hiking and biking the hills in and around Worcester to find good views of the skyline."

As part of the school’s LEEP Student Success Network, the Career Connections Center helps students “clarify their life after Clark path and develop a general strategy for moving forward.” Students always have the option to drop into the Center’s Career Lab and get assistance with cover letters and résumés or can take advantage of one-on-one career advising. The office also arranges on-campus workshops, recruitment sessions, and career exploration weeks. Furthermore, the online platform ClarkCONNECT prepares students for employment after graduation by promoting internships “which may take place in a nonprofit organization, government office, or for-profit business” and linking students with alumni, mentors, and advice from professionals in their field of interest. According to PayScale.com, 55 percent of Clark University alumni report that they derive a high level of meaning from their careers, in addition to a median starting salary of $63,400.