Canisius vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

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

Clarkson University is larger than Canisius based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 2,451 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Canisius University is located in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Canisius University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Canisius University 11:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

Canisius vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Canisius 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 Canisius University than Clarkson ($19,666 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Canisius University are 25.7% lower than at Clarkson University ($13,560 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 72.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Canisius (about $24,898 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.2% higher at Clarkson than at Canisius University (about $24,898 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Canisius University as at Clarkson University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 86.3% larger than aid received by Canisius University students ($46,528 vs. $24,972).

Canisius vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Canisius 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 Canisius.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 110 points higher than at Canisius (1190).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Canisius).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Canisius University 1050/1320; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Canisius University 22/28; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Canisius - Test-free; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Canisius (3.7).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Canisius (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Canisius vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

Canisius vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Canisius 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 Canisius University's (67%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $20,900 more per year than Canisius graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Canisius University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($24,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Canisius graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($255 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Canisius students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 71%)

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.