Bowdoin College vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME with Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clarkson University is larger than Bowdoin College based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 1,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowdoin College is located in Brunswick, ME (Distant Town setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Bowdoin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowdoin College 9:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

Bowdoin College vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowdoin College 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 Bowdoin College than Clarkson ($22,228 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 1.3% lower than at Bowdoin College ($18,252 vs. $18,488).
• Bowdoin College is 14.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $8,434 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.2% higher at Bowdoin College than at Clarkson University (about $8,434 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Bowdoin College (100% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bowdoin College students is 35.1% larger than aid received by Clarkson University students ($62,872 vs. $46,528).

Bowdoin College vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowdoin College 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 Bowdoin College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowdoin College (1510) is 210 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Bowdoin College students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 1470/1550; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 33/35; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowdoin College - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowdoin College Jan 5, 2027; Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Bowdoin College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.6% at Bowdoin College vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

Bowdoin College vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowdoin College 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).

• Bowdoin College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Bowdoin College earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,000 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have a $8,167 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($18,833 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have an estimated $85 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($194 vs. $279).
• More Bowdoin College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clarkson students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 86%)

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.