Clarkson vs. City College of New York

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY with CUNY City College in New York, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

CUNY City College is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (15,544 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); CUNY City College is in New York, NY (Large City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. CUNY City College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; CUNY City College 15:1.

Clarkson vs. City College of New York Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or City College of New York? 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 CUNY City College than Clarkson ($4,664 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 3.1% lower than at CUNY City College ($18,252 vs. $18,840).
• Clarkson University is 709.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than City College of New York (about $52,058 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $7,340.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 288.5% higher at Clarkson than at CUNY City College (about $44,108 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $15,290.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at CUNY City College (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 376.6% larger than aid received by CUNY City College students ($46,528 vs. $9,763).

Clarkson vs. City College of New York Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clarkson or City College of New York? 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 City College of New York and Clarkson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 50 points higher than at City College of New York (1250).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; CUNY City College 1070/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; City College of New York - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; City College of New York Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.6 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at City College of New York (3.2).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than City College of New York (60%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 12.3% at City College of New York.

Clarkson vs. City College of New York Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and City College of New York? 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 CUNY City College's (40%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $21,000 more per year than City College of New York graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $49,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, CUNY City College graduates have a $15,600 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($11,400 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, City College of New York graduates have an estimated $162 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($117 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former City College of New York students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 52%)

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.