Clarkson vs. Queens College

Comparable Facts

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

CUNY Queens College is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (15,965 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clarkson vs. Queens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Queens 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 CUNY Queens College than Clarkson ($5,728 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at CUNY Queens College are 6.1% lower than at Clarkson University ($17,132 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 688% more expensive for in-state tuition than Queens College (about $51,860 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $7,538.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 283.5% higher at Clarkson than at CUNY Queens College (about $43,910 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $15,488.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at CUNY Queens College (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 413.7% larger than aid received by CUNY Queens College students ($46,528 vs. $9,057).

Clarkson vs. Queens College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 150 points higher than at Queens College (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; CUNY Queens College 1010/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Queens College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.8 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Queens College (3.0).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Queens College (64.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 12.3% at Queens College.

Clarkson vs. Queens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Queens 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 CUNY Queens College's (53%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $20,000 more per year than Queens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $50,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, CUNY Queens College graduates have a $16,000 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($11,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Queens College graduates have an estimated $166 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($113 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Queens College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 56%)

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.