Clarkson vs. ONU

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY with Ohio Northern University in Ada, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clarkson University is larger than ONU based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 3,140 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Ohio Northern University is in Ada, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio Northern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Ohio Northern University 13:1.

Clarkson vs. ONU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or ONU? 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 Ohio Northern University than Clarkson ($25,941 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio Northern University are 20% lower than at Clarkson University ($14,604 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 49.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than ONU (about $19,598 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $39,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.2% higher at Clarkson than at Ohio Northern University (about $19,598 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $39,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Ohio Northern University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 68% larger than aid received by Ohio Northern University students ($46,528 vs. $27,696).

Clarkson vs. ONU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 10 points higher than at ONU (1290).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at ONU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Ohio Northern University 1175/1400.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Ohio Northern University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; ONU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; ONU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at ONU (3.78).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than ONU (74.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 19.9% at ONU.

Clarkson vs. ONU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and ONU? 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 Ohio Northern University's (65%).
• Graduates from Ohio Northern University earn a median of about $400 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,200 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio Northern University and Clarkson graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Ohio Northern 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 ONU 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.