Clarkson vs. Lafayette College

Comparable Facts

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

Clarkson University is larger than Lafayette College based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 2,775 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clarkson vs. Lafayette College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Lafayette 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 Lafayette College ($32,406 vs. $38,442).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 8.1% lower than at Lafayette College ($18,252 vs. $19,866).
• Lafayette College is 10.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $6,000 more per year; $65,398.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.1% higher at Lafayette College than at Clarkson University (about $6,000 more per year; $65,398.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Lafayette College (100% vs. 61%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 4.1% larger than aid received by Lafayette College students ($46,528 vs. $44,707).

Clarkson vs. Lafayette College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lafayette College (1430) is 130 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Lafayette College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Lafayette College 1350/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Lafayette College 31/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Lafayette College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Lafayette College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Lafayette College (3.53).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Lafayette College (31.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 21.8% at Lafayette College.

Clarkson vs. Lafayette College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Lafayette 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).

• Lafayette College's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Lafayette College earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,000 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lafayette College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lafayette College graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Lafayette College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clarkson students, three years after graduation. (91% 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.