Clarkson vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

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

Clarkson University is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Muhlenberg College 9:1.

Clarkson vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg College ($32,406 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 20.3% lower than at Clarkson University ($14,548 vs. $18,252).
• Muhlenberg College is 5.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $3,407 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.7% higher at Muhlenberg College than at Clarkson University (about $3,407 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Muhlenberg College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 9.4% larger than aid received by Muhlenberg College students ($46,528 vs. $42,545).

Clarkson vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Muhlenberg College (1330) is 30 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Muhlenberg College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Muhlenberg College (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

Clarkson vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Muhlenberg 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).

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than Muhlenberg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $63,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have a $510 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($26,490 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Muhlenberg College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 84%)

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.