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Westfield State University vs Clark University: which has better ROI?

Public, Westfield MA · vs · Private nonprofit, Worcester MA

The verdict

Westfield State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $66,884 in 7.4 years versus 8.2 years at Clark University, on median earnings of $57,346 vs $62,381 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureWestfield State UniversityClark University
Net price / yr$16,721$28,714
Total net cost$66,884$114,856
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,346$62,381
Median debt$22,457$26,759
Payback7.4 yrs8.2 yrs
20-year net return$112,836$165,564

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Westfield State University or Clark University?

Westfield State University, at $16,721 a year after aid versus $28,714 — a gap of $11,993 a year, or $47,972 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Westfield State University or Clark University graduates earn more?

Clark University graduates report a median $62,381 ten years after entry, $5,035 more than the $57,346 at Westfield State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Westfield State University or Clark University?

Westfield State University: its completers carry a median $22,457 in federal loans versus $26,759 at Clark University, a difference of $4,302. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

77% of students finish at Clark University, against 54% at Westfield State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Westfield State University vs Clark University: frequently asked questions

Is Westfield State University or Clark University a better value?
Westfield State University. It clears its $66,884 net cost in about 7.4 years versus 8.2 years at Clark University, on median earnings of $57,346 vs $62,381 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Westfield State University or Clark University?
Westfield State University: $16,721/yr net price after aid versus $28,714/yr at Clark University — a difference of $11,993 a year, or about $47,972 over four years.
Do Westfield State University or Clark University graduates earn more?
Clark University graduates earn a median $62,381 ten years after entry, versus $57,346 at Westfield State University — a $5,035 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.