Brandeis University vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Brandeis University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

Brandeis University vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis 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 Brandeis University ($32,406 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 8.5% lower than at Brandeis University ($18,252 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 14.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $8,682 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.6% higher at Brandeis University than at Clarkson University (about $8,682 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Brandeis University (100% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 8.6% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($46,528 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 160 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Brandeis University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brandeis University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Clarkson (3.8).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Brandeis University (40.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

Brandeis University vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis 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).

• Brandeis University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clarkson University and Brandeis University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Clarkson University and Brandeis University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 82%)

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.