Clarkson vs. Lipscomb

Comparable Facts

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

Lipscomb University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (5,017 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Lipscomb University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lipscomb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Lipscomb University 13:1.

Clarkson vs. Lipscomb Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Lipscomb? 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 Lipscomb University than Clarkson ($27,695 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lipscomb University are 15.5% lower than at Clarkson University ($15,424 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 46.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lipscomb (about $18,826 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $40,572.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.4% higher at Clarkson than at Lipscomb University (about $18,826 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $40,572.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University as at Lipscomb University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 62.4% larger than aid received by Lipscomb University students ($46,528 vs. $28,645).

Clarkson vs. Lipscomb Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 30 points higher than at Lipscomb (1270).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Lipscomb).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Lipscomb University 1160/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Lipscomb University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Lipscomb - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Lipscomb (3.73).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Lipscomb (67.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 24.9% at Lipscomb.

Clarkson vs. Lipscomb Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Lipscomb? 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 Lipscomb University's (63%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $23,900 more per year than Lipscomb graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $46,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lipscomb University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lipscomb graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lipscomb students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 68%)

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.