Clarkson vs. Ithaca College

Comparable Facts

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

Ithaca College is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (4,767 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Ithaca College is in Ithaca, NY (Small Suburban setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ithaca College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Ithaca College 10:1.

Clarkson vs. Ithaca College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Ithaca 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 Ithaca College ($32,406 vs. $35,253).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ithaca College are 11.3% lower than at Clarkson University ($16,192 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 10.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ithaca College (about $5,858 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $53,540.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.9% higher at Clarkson than at Ithaca College (about $5,858 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $53,540.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University as at Ithaca College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 39.1% larger than aid received by Ithaca College students ($46,528 vs. $33,450).

Clarkson vs. Ithaca College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ithaca College (1310) is 10 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Clarkson students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Ithaca College (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Ithaca College 1230/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Ithaca College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Ithaca College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Ithaca College Feb 1, 2027.
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Ithaca College (69%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 12.3% at Ithaca College.

Clarkson vs. Ithaca College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Ithaca 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).

• Ithaca College's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $14,700 more per year than Ithaca College graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $56,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ithaca College graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ithaca College graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ithaca College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 84%)

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.