Clarkson vs. Pace University

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY with Pace University in New York, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pace University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (13,634 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clarkson vs. Pace University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Pace 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 Pace University ($32,406 vs. $34,791).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 19.1% lower than at Pace University ($18,252 vs. $22,553).
• Clarkson University is 11.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Pace University (about $6,108 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $53,290.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.5% higher at Clarkson than at Pace University (about $6,108 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $53,290.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Pace University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 32.4% larger than aid received by Pace University students ($46,528 vs. $35,136).

Clarkson vs. Pace University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 40 points higher than at Pace University (1260).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Pace University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Pace University 1180/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Pace University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Pace University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Pace University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Pace University (3.4).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Pace University (75.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 8.1% at Pace University.

Clarkson vs. Pace University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Pace 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).

• Clarkson University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Pace University's (53%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than Pace University graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $63,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pace University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Pace University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pace University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 65%)

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.