Clarkson vs. Colgate

Comparable Facts

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

Clarkson University is larger than Colgate based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Colgate University is in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Colgate University 9:1.

Clarkson vs. Colgate Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Colgate? 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 Colgate University than Clarkson ($28,736 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 3.5% lower than at Clarkson University ($17,610 vs. $18,252).
• Colgate University is 18.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $10,908 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.4% higher at Colgate than at Clarkson University (about $10,908 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Colgate University (100% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 25.4% larger than aid received by Clarkson University students ($58,334 vs. $46,528).

Clarkson vs. Colgate Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 190 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Colgate students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Colgate University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Colgate University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Colgate - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Colgate Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Colgate (3.77).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 28.7% at Colgate.

Clarkson vs. Colgate Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Colgate? 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).

• Colgate University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Colgate University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,300 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $10,875 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($16,125 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $113 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($166 vs. $279).
• More Colgate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clarkson students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 86%)

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.