Clarkson vs. Fordham

Comparable Facts

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

Fordham University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (16,150 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Fordham University is in Bronx, NY (Large City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fordham University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Fordham University 14:1.

Clarkson vs. Fordham Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Fordham? 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 Fordham ($32,406 vs. $48,190).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 24.2% lower than at Fordham University ($18,252 vs. $24,090).
• Fordham University is 9.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $5,517 more per year; $64,915.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.3% higher at Fordham than at Clarkson University (about $5,517 more per year; $64,915.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Fordham University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 29.3% larger than aid received by Fordham University students ($46,528 vs. $35,988).

Clarkson vs. Fordham Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fordham University (1400) is 100 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Fordham 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; Fordham University 1320/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Fordham University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Fordham - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Fordham Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Fordham (3.67).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Fordham (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 9.7% at Fordham.

Clarkson vs. Fordham Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Fordham? 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).

• Fordham University's six-year graduation rate (78%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Fordham graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $64,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fordham University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Fordham graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fordham 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.