Clarkson vs. Allegheny College

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY with Allegheny College in Meadville, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clarkson University is larger than Allegheny College based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 1,171 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Allegheny College is in Meadville, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Allegheny College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Allegheny College 8:1.

Clarkson vs. Allegheny College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Allegheny College? 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 Allegheny College than Clarkson ($26,420 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allegheny College are 22.7% lower than at Clarkson University ($14,100 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Allegheny College (about $2,848 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $56,550.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5% higher at Clarkson than at Allegheny College (about $2,848 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $56,550.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University as at Allegheny College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 3.4% larger than aid received by Allegheny College students ($46,528 vs. $44,987).

Clarkson vs. Allegheny College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clarkson or Allegheny College? 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 Allegheny College and Clarkson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 30 points higher than at Allegheny College (1270).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Allegheny College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Allegheny College 1173/1358.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Allegheny College 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Allegheny College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Allegheny College Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Allegheny College (3.53).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Allegheny College (54.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 10.4% at Allegheny College.

Clarkson vs. Allegheny College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Allegheny College? 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).

• Allegheny College's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $15,600 more per year than Allegheny College graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $55,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clarkson University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Allegheny College graduates ($27,000 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, Clarkson graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Allegheny College graduates ($279 vs. $299).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Allegheny College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 80%)

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.