Clarkson vs. Dickinson College

Comparable Facts

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

Clarkson University is larger than Dickinson College based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 2,314 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Dickinson College is in Carlisle, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dickinson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Dickinson College 11:1.

Clarkson vs. Dickinson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Dickinson 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 Dickinson College ($32,406 vs. $38,483).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dickinson College are 6.3% lower than at Clarkson University ($17,100 vs. $18,252).
• Dickinson College is 10.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $6,252 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.5% higher at Dickinson College than at Clarkson University (about $6,252 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Dickinson College (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 4.6% larger than aid received by Dickinson College students ($46,528 vs. $44,479).

Clarkson vs. Dickinson College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dickinson College (1390) is 90 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Dickinson College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Dickinson College 1310/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Dickinson College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Dickinson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027.
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Dickinson College (42.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 21.1% at Dickinson College.

Clarkson vs. Dickinson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Dickinson 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).

• Dickinson College's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than Dickinson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $62,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($21,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($217 vs. $279).
• More Dickinson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clarkson students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.