Adelphi University vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

Compare Adelphi University in Garden City, NY with Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Adelphi University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (7,603 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Adelphi University is located in Garden City, NY (Large Suburban setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Adelphi University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Adelphi University 12:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

Adelphi University vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Adelphi University or Clarkson? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Adelphi University than Clarkson ($31,303 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 8.9% lower than at Adelphi University ($18,252 vs. $20,028).
• Clarkson University is 20.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Adelphi University (about $10,288 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $49,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.9% higher at Clarkson than at Adelphi University (about $10,288 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $49,110.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Adelphi University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 45.5% larger than aid received by Adelphi University students ($46,528 vs. $31,976).

Adelphi University vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Adelphi University or Clarkson? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Clarkson and Adelphi University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 70 points higher than at Adelphi University (1230).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Adelphi University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adelphi University 1120/1340; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adelphi University 24/30; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Adelphi University - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Adelphi University (3.69).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Adelphi University (65.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Adelphi University vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

Adelphi University vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Adelphi University and Clarkson? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Clarkson University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Adelphi University's (66%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than Adelphi University graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $58,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Adelphi University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Adelphi University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Adelphi University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 70%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.