Clarkson vs. Champlain College

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY with Champlain College in Burlington, VT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clarkson University is larger than Champlain College based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 3,259 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clarkson vs. Champlain College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Champlain 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 Clarkson University than Champlain College ($32,406 vs. $38,173).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Champlain College are 3.6% lower than at Clarkson University ($17,600 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 24.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Champlain College (about $11,548 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $47,850.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.1% higher at Clarkson than at Champlain College (about $11,548 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $47,850.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Champlain College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 71.9% larger than aid received by Champlain College students ($46,528 vs. $27,069).

Clarkson vs. Champlain College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is the same as at Champlain College (1300).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Champlain College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Champlain College 1220/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Champlain College 26/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Champlain College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Champlain College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Champlain College (3.35).
• Champlain College has a higher acceptance rate (82.9%) than Clarkson (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 11.5% at Champlain College.

Clarkson vs. Champlain College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Champlain 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).

• Clarkson University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Champlain College's (62%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $23,600 more per year than Champlain College graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $47,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Champlain College graduates have a $357 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($26,643 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Champlain College graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($275 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Champlain College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 75%)

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.