Clarkson vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

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

Marquette University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (11,746 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Marquette University 14:1.

Clarkson vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Marquette University? 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 Marquette University ($32,406 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marquette University are 9.7% lower than at Clarkson University ($16,490 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 16.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marquette University (about $8,228 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.1% higher at Clarkson than at Marquette University (about $8,228 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $51,170.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University as at Marquette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 41% larger than aid received by Marquette University students ($46,528 vs. $32,996).

Clarkson vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 20 points higher than at Marquette University (1280).
• Incoming Clarkson students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Marquette University (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Marquette University (3.56).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than Clarkson (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

Clarkson vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Marquette University? 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).

• Marquette University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than Marquette University graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $67,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marquette University and Clarkson graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Marquette University and Clarkson graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marquette University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 81%)

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.