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Clark University
Office of
Financial Assistance

Clark Merit Scholarships

Clark University offers a variety of merit and achievement-based scholarships. All applicants are automatically considered for these scholarships. There is no need for a separate application.

We give top consideration to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and personal qualities during their secondary school years. The scholarship decisions are solely based on information presented in the admission application, without consideration of financial need. International students who may qualify for scholarships are still expected to demonstrate the ability to cover a significant percentage of the cost of their education. Admitted students who receive a merit-based scholarship will be notified alongside their admissions decision.

Presidential Scholarship (additional application required)

The Presidential Scholarship is a highly esteemed scholarship awarded to approximately five exceptional students annually. It recognizes individuals who stand out due to their outstanding academic achievements and leadership potential, placing them among the top applicants to Clark.

This scholarship covers full tuition, as well as on-campus room and board for all four years, regardless of a family’s financial situation.

How to apply

To apply for the Presidential Scholarship, indicate your interest by selecting the corresponding option when you complete the Common Application or Coalition Application with Scoir.

After indicating your interest, you will receive detailed information on how to complete your scholarship application.

Application deadline

  • Early Decision I and Early Action – December 1
  • Early Decision II and Regular – February 1

A small group of students may be selected as finalists to interview in January from the Early Decision I and Early Action rounds. A second round of finalists will be selected to interview in March. All students will receive an update on their status for the scholarship by the end of March.

The Admissions Committee selects finalists based on the strength of their admission applications and other specific criteria identified by the committee.

Private Scholarships

As an international student, you may be eligible for additional scholarships offered by local, statewide and national organizations.

Below are possible sources and ideas for finding private scholarships.

If you do receive a private scholarship, you must inform the Clark University Office of Financial Assistance in writing. Private scholarships are considered part of your aid package.

Sources of private scholarships

You may be eligible for scholarships from:

  • Your high school teachers, guidance counselors and school librarians: Ask them if there are any school-sponsored scholarships.
  • Your parents’ employers: Ask your parent(s) if there are any scholarship opportunities provided through their employer(s); if they are unsure, you or they should call their human resources department for more information.
  • Your current employer: Ask your employer if the company offers any scholarships for graduating high school students.
  • Your place of worship: Ask the office staff or leadership about any scholarship possibilities or assistance with college expenses; private fundraiser events may be allowed if a scholarship is not already in place.
Online resources

There are numerous online resources for identifying private scholarships. As with any online search you want to be careful to avoid anything that may be a scam. You may want to watch out for these “red flags”:

  • The online service charges a fee. Scholarships are meant to help students, and if you are paying for the service, you may want to skip it altogether.
  • An organization does not require an essay. If you are only providing personal information, and no other information is required, it could mean that this organization is looking to sell your information.
  • An online service or organization asks for sensitive information. Never provide your Social Security number or other sensitive information unless you know the scholarship is from a legitimate source.
Additional online scholarship searches

Here are additional online scholarship searches that might help you:

Contact Information

Office of Financial Assistance

Office Location

Clark University
Office of Financial Assistance
950 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01610

1-508-793-7478

1-508-793-8802(Fax)

finaid@clarku.edu

office hours

Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.