Clarkson vs. Lewis and Clark

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY with Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lewis & Clark College is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (3,504 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Lewis & Clark College is in Portland, OR (Large City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lewis & Clark College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Lewis & Clark College 12:1.

Clarkson vs. Lewis and Clark Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Lewis and Clark? 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 Lewis and Clark ($32,406 vs. $37,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lewis & Clark College are 14.3% lower than at Clarkson University ($15,648 vs. $18,252).
• Lewis & Clark College is 9.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $5,430 more per year; $64,828.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.1% higher at Lewis and Clark than at Clarkson University (about $5,430 more per year; $64,828.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University as at Lewis & Clark College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 10.7% larger than aid received by Lewis & Clark College students ($46,528 vs. $42,021).

Clarkson vs. Lewis and Clark Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is the same as at Lewis and Clark (1300).
• Incoming Lewis and Clark students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Lewis & Clark College 1210/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Lewis & Clark College 28/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Lewis and Clark - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Lewis and Clark Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lewis and Clark students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Clarkson (3.8).
• Lewis and Clark has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than Clarkson (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 9.7% at Lewis and Clark.

Clarkson vs. Lewis and Clark Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Lewis and Clark? 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).

• Lewis & Clark College's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $19,900 more per year than Lewis and Clark graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $50,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lewis & Clark College graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lewis and Clark graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lewis and Clark students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 82%)

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.