Clarkson vs. Lehigh

Comparable Facts

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

Lehigh University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (7,692 students vs. 3,348 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clarkson vs. Lehigh Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Lehigh? 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 Lehigh ($32,406 vs. $34,154).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lehigh University are 5.7% lower than at Clarkson University ($17,220 vs. $18,252).
• Lehigh University is 9.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $5,582 more per year; $64,980.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.4% higher at Lehigh than at Clarkson University (about $5,582 more per year; $64,980.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Lehigh University (100% vs. 65%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lehigh University students is 0.4% larger than aid received by Clarkson University students ($46,731 vs. $46,528).

Clarkson vs. Lehigh Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clarkson or Lehigh? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Lehigh and Clarkson.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Lehigh University (1440) is 140 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Lehigh students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Lehigh University 1370/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Clarkson University 25/32; Lehigh University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Lehigh - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Lehigh Jan 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Lehigh students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Clarkson (3.8).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Lehigh (25.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 28.4% at Lehigh.

Clarkson vs. Lehigh Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Lehigh? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Lehigh University's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Lehigh University earn a median of about $18,400 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,200 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lehigh University graduates have a $2,744 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($24,256 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lehigh graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Lehigh graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clarkson students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.