Clarkson vs. Olin College

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY with Franklin W Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clarkson University is larger than Olin College based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 405 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is in Needham, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 9:1.

Clarkson vs. Olin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Olin 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 Olin College ($32,406 vs. $43,184).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 12.3% lower than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($18,252 vs. $20,810).
• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is 11.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $7,000 more per year; $66,398.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.8% higher at Olin College than at Clarkson University (about $7,000 more per year; $66,398.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University as at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 7.5% larger than aid received by Franklin W Olin College of Engineering students ($46,528 vs. $43,290).

Clarkson vs. Olin College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (1530) is 230 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 1493/1558.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Olin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Olin College Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Olin College students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Clarkson (3.8).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Olin College (25.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 43.7% at Olin College.

Clarkson vs. Olin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Olin 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).

• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates have a $12,290 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($14,710 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Olin College graduates have an estimated $127 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($152 vs. $279).

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.