Clarkson vs. EC

Comparable Facts

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

Clarkson University is larger than EC based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 786 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clarkson vs. EC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or EC? 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 Elmira College than Clarkson ($23,682 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elmira College are 20.3% lower than at Clarkson University ($14,550 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 52.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than EC (about $20,422 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $38,976.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.4% higher at Clarkson than at Elmira College (about $20,422 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $38,976.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University as at Elmira College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 61.7% larger than aid received by Elmira College students ($46,528 vs. $28,780).

Clarkson vs. EC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 60 points higher than at EC (1240).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at EC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Elmira College 1090/1385.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Elmira College 26/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; EC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.58 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at EC (3.22).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than EC (77%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 12.3% at EC.

Clarkson vs. EC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and EC? 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 Elmira College's (60%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $24,800 more per year than EC graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmira College and Clarkson graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Elmira College and Clarkson graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former EC students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 72%)

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.