Biola University vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

Compare Biola University in La Mirada, CA with Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Biola University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (5,434 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Biola University is located in La Mirada, CA (Large Suburban setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

Biola University vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola 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 Clarkson University than Biola University ($32,406 vs. $34,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 28.1% lower than at Clarkson University ($13,130 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 21.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Biola University (about $10,414 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.3% higher at Clarkson than at Biola University (about $10,414 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Biola University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 61.5% larger than aid received by Biola University students ($46,528 vs. $28,817).

Biola University vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Biola 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 Biola University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 30 points higher than at Biola University (1270).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Biola University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Biola University (3.61).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Biola University (74.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

Biola University vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola 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 Biola University's (71%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $21,900 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Biola University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Biola University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Biola University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 75%)

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.