Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,449
39th percentile
40th percentile in Massachusetts
Median Debt
$26,000
At national median

Analysis

Clark University's business program produces first-year earnings of $43,449—roughly $5,000 below the Massachusetts median and $2,300 below the national average. With a small sample size, these numbers deserve scrutiny, but the 40th percentile ranking among Bay State business programs suggests this isn't an outlier result. The debt load of $26,000 sits right at national and state medians, yielding a manageable 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio, but the real question is whether attending a selective liberal arts college (42% admission rate, 1339 SAT) delivers a competitive return compared to more business-focused Massachusetts schools.

The gap between Clark and the state's top business programs is substantial—Boston College and BU graduates earn nearly $30,000 more in year one. Even accounting for Clark's broader liberal arts mission, falling below the state median raises concerns about whether this program positions graduates for strong business career launches. The modest debt helps, but parents should understand they're likely paying a premium for Clark's brand while getting below-average Massachusetts business outcomes.

Given the small sample size, talk directly with career services about actual placement results and whether recent changes to the program might shift these numbers. If you're paying out-of-state tuition or significant net costs, the value proposition weakens considerably—Massachusetts offers stronger business programs at similar or lower debt levels.

Where Clark University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Clark University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (44 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Clark UniversityWorcester$55,160$43,449$26,0000.60
Boston CollegeChestnut Hill$67,680$71,675$86,804$17,8730.25
Boston UniversityBoston$65,168$71,545$86,755$25,0000.35
Babson CollegeWellesley$56,032$69,970$89,884$23,0000.33
Bentley UniversityWaltham$58,150$67,903$86,432$25,0000.37
Wentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston$41,010$64,591$88,200
National Median$45,703$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Clark University, approximately 21% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 19 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.