Clarkson vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

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

Clarkson University is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clarkson vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Houghton University? 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 Houghton University than Clarkson ($21,274 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 37.8% lower than at Clarkson University ($11,360 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 222.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $40,968 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 222.3% higher at Clarkson than at Houghton University (about $40,968 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University as at Houghton University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 369.9% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($46,528 vs. $9,902).

Clarkson vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 30 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Clarkson students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Houghton University (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.55 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Clarkson (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

Clarkson vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Houghton University? 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 Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $26,500 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Houghton University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Houghton University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University 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.