Clarkson vs. Drexel

Comparable Facts

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

Drexel University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (21,153 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clarkson vs. Drexel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Drexel? 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 Drexel ($32,406 vs. $42,801).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drexel University are 0.9% lower than at Clarkson University ($18,096 vs. $18,252).
• Drexel University is 5.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $3,014 more per year; $62,412.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.1% higher at Drexel than at Clarkson University (about $3,014 more per year; $62,412.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University as at Drexel University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 32.7% larger than aid received by Drexel University students ($46,528 vs. $35,051).

Clarkson vs. Drexel Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drexel University (1340) is 40 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Drexel students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Drexel University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Drexel University 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Drexel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Drexel Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Drexel (3.67).
• Drexel has a higher acceptance rate (79.4%) than Clarkson (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 8.1% at Drexel.

Clarkson vs. Drexel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Drexel? 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 Drexel University's (68%).
• Graduates from Drexel University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,400 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Drexel University graduates have a $757 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($26,243 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Drexel graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($271 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drexel students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 77%)

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.