Clarkson vs. Gonzaga

Comparable Facts

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

Gonzaga University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (7,470 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Gonzaga University is in Spokane, WA (Midsize City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Gonzaga University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Gonzaga University 12:1.

Clarkson vs. Gonzaga Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Gonzaga? 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 Gonzaga ($32,406 vs. $40,117).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gonzaga University are 13.8% lower than at Clarkson University ($15,730 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 7.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Gonzaga (about $3,918 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $55,480.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.1% higher at Clarkson than at Gonzaga University (about $3,918 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $55,480.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University as at Gonzaga University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 39.3% larger than aid received by Gonzaga University students ($46,528 vs. $33,390).

Clarkson vs. Gonzaga Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 10 points higher than at Gonzaga (1290).
• Incoming Gonzaga 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; Gonzaga University 1190/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Gonzaga University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Gonzaga - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Gonzaga Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Gonzaga (3.67).
• Gonzaga has a higher acceptance rate (81.7%) than Clarkson (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 17.5% at Gonzaga.

Clarkson vs. Gonzaga Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Gonzaga? 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).

• Gonzaga University's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than Gonzaga graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $61,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gonzaga University graduates have a $606 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($26,394 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Gonzaga graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($272 vs. $279).
• More Gonzaga graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clarkson students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.