Clarkson vs. Hofstra

Comparable Facts

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

Hofstra University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (10,685 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clarkson vs. Hofstra Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Hofstra? 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 Hofstra ($32,406 vs. $35,792).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hofstra University are 0.9% lower than at Clarkson University ($18,082 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hofstra (about $1,738 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $57,660.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3% higher at Clarkson than at Hofstra University (about $1,738 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $57,660.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Hofstra University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 32.7% larger than aid received by Hofstra University students ($46,528 vs. $35,061).

Clarkson vs. Hofstra Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hofstra University (1320) is 20 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Hofstra students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Hofstra University 1230/1400.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Hofstra University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Hofstra - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Hofstra (3.74).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Hofstra (68.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 10.3% at Hofstra.

Clarkson vs. Hofstra Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Hofstra? 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 Hofstra University's (58%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $11,600 more per year than Hofstra graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $59,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hofstra University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($23,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Hofstra graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($242 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hofstra 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.