Clark University vs. Cornell University

Attribute	Clark University	Cornell University
Location	Worcester, Massachusetts	Ithaca, New York
Founded	1887	1865
Undergraduate Enrollment	2,304	15,043
Graduate Enrollment	1,000	8,871
Endowment	$500 million	$7.2 billion

Location

Clark University is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a mid-sized city in New England. The campus is situated in a residential area, providing students with a sense of community while still being close to the city's amenities. On the other hand, Cornell University is located in Ithaca, New York, a small town in upstate New York. The campus is surrounded by natural beauty, including gorges and waterfalls, offering students a peaceful and picturesque setting for their studies.

Size

Clark University is a small liberal arts college with a total undergraduate enrollment of around 2,300 students. This smaller size allows for more personalized attention from professors and a tight-knit community among students. In contrast, Cornell University is a large research university with over 15,000 undergraduate students. The size of the university provides students with a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, but it can also lead to a more impersonal experience for some students.

Academic Programs

Clark University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in areas such as psychology, biology, and international development. The university is known for its strong emphasis on research and experiential learning, with many students participating in internships and research projects. On the other hand, Cornell University is known for its prestigious programs in fields such as engineering, business, and agriculture. The university offers over 100 undergraduate majors, providing students with a diverse array of academic options.

Faculty

Clark University prides itself on its small class sizes and accessible faculty members. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1, allowing for close interaction between students and professors. Many faculty members at Clark are actively engaged in research and are experts in their fields. In comparison, Cornell University has a larger student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, but still boasts a highly qualified faculty. Professors at Cornell are often leading researchers in their disciplines and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom.

Campus Life

Clark University offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of clubs, organizations, and events for students to participate in. The university also has a strong commitment to social justice and community service, with many students involved in volunteer work both on and off campus. Cornell University, with its larger size, offers a bustling campus life with over 1,000 student organizations to choose from. The university also has a strong athletic program and a lively social scene, providing students with a well-rounded college experience.

Cost and Financial Aid

Clark University has a total cost of attendance that is on the higher side, but the university is committed to providing financial aid to students in need. Over 90% of students receive some form of financial aid, with the average need-based scholarship covering over half of tuition costs. Cornell University, being a larger and more prestigious institution, also has a higher cost of attendance. However, the university offers generous financial aid packages to students, with over half of undergraduates receiving need-based aid.

Reputation

Clark University is known for its strong academic programs in the social sciences and humanities, as well as its commitment to social justice and community engagement. The university has a reputation for producing graduates who are well-rounded, socially conscious individuals. Cornell University, on the other hand, is known for its prestigious programs in fields such as engineering, business, and agriculture. The university has a strong reputation for research and innovation, with many of its graduates going on to successful careers in their chosen fields.