CLARK UNIVERSITY or UMASS AMHERST

They’re both ranked 74 on US news as a tie, which is annoying that they don’t rank one above the other. But beside the point, which would provide a better outlook in the business fields such as marketing or managment, or fiance. Does Clark’s liberal arts integrated curriculum hinder the business aspect? In a nutshell, ehich should I choose given the opportunity?

Which do you like better? Which is a better financial fit?

Ignore the rankings. If one was ranked 60 and one was ranked 80, you should still ignore the rankings. There are a LOT of very good universities in the US. The difference between #1 and #100 is hotly debated. The difference between #60 and #80 is meaningless, and is likely to be the other way around on the next ranking.

Is there a difference in price? Are you more comfortable with either? Have you looked in detail at the courses that are offered by each?

That’s the thing, I dont have a preference. And on a spectrum of what they offer is both diverse, yet they are almost opposite. In that of size, one liberal arts bound, etc. I refer to rankings because I want to go to a school where the school is known, and its easier to get jobs that aid in good salaries in the long run. Of course its on my part as well, but also the rep helps also essentially. Like of course Umass would suit better than my local CC

Is there a difference in price? Would any loans be needed for either university?

Have you visited the schools? Talked to current students? Sat in on a class? Eaten at a dining hall? What are you thinking about for a major? What do you want to be (or think you might want to be) when you grow up?

@Jarb15

One advantage at Clark would be the accelerated finance or MBA programs that allow you to get your BS and your master’s degree in 5 years total. Even better, the fifth year of tuition is free! Clark is also in a more urban area, which would likely afford lots of internship opportunities. The city of Worcester also has many other colleges and universities so you’d meet lots of students beyond Clark. You might check to see if they offer cross-registration at any of them. As a smaller LAC, you’d likely have greater access to your professors.

As for U Mass Amherst - it’s a much larger school within a consortium of four LACs in a more rural area. Nationally, it probably has more of a reputation - for example, people in Chicago probably have heard of it; unlikely the person on the street would know Clark U. Regionally in the NE, Clark would be familiar to more people. Have you been admitted to the business school at U Mass? If not, how difficult is it to get in as an upperclassman? Finally, have you been admitted to U Mass Honors College - that can provide the advantages of both a large university and a smaller community within it.

Both are great schools. Good luck!

Clark University will give you the advantages of smaller classes, lots of contact with professors, better research opportunities as an undergraduate, and a closer and tighter knit campus community. It is the size of a liberal arts college with all those advantages but still with the advantages of a University.

IMO, the best thing about U Mass Amherst is that you can take courses at the surrounding top level liberal arts colleges, including Amherst College (wow!), Mt. Holyoke, Smith and Hampshire.

Amherst is a more charming town than Worchester, but Clark students perform a lot of meaningful community service in Worchester.

If financial aid/ cost makes a difference, then that may guide you. Otherwise, it really is about personal preference. Think about selecting each school, one at a time. Which school are you more reluctant to say goodbye to? Go there!