Chapman vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

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

Chapman University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (9,760 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Chapman vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chapman 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 Chapman ($32,406 vs. $47,902).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chapman University are 2.4% lower than at Clarkson University ($17,814 vs. $18,252).
• Chapman University is 9.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $5,586 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.4% higher at Chapman than at Clarkson University (about $5,586 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Chapman University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 31.3% larger than aid received by Chapman University students ($46,528 vs. $35,434).

Chapman vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Chapman 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 Chapman.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Chapman University (1350) is 50 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Chapman students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 1260/1440; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 28/31; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chapman - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Chapman Jan 15, 2027; Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Chapman (3.7).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Chapman (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at Chapman vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

Chapman vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chapman 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).

• The graduation rate at Chapman is the same as at Clarkson University (72% vs. 72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $16,700 more per year than Chapman graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chapman University graduates have a $6,062 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($20,938 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Chapman graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($216 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chapman students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 65%)

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.