Clarkson vs. Hamilton College

Comparable Facts

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

Clarkson University is larger than Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 2,031 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Hamilton College is in Clinton, NY (Rural Fringe setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hamilton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Hamilton College 9:1.

Clarkson vs. Hamilton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Hamilton 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 Hamilton College than Clarkson ($28,719 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hamilton College are 4.1% lower than at Clarkson University ($17,510 vs. $18,252).
• Hamilton College is 16.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $9,562 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.1% higher at Hamilton College than at Clarkson University (about $9,562 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Hamilton College (100% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 19.3% larger than aid received by Clarkson University students ($55,511 vs. $46,528).

Clarkson vs. Hamilton College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 200 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Hamilton College students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Hamilton College 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Hamilton College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Hamilton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hamilton College students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Clarkson (3.8).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 39% at Hamilton College.

Clarkson vs. Hamilton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Hamilton 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).

• Hamilton College's six-year graduation rate (89%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Hamilton College earn a median of about $8,200 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($79,000 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $11,240 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($15,760 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $117 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($162 vs. $279).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clarkson students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.