Clarkson vs. Pratt Institute

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY with Pratt Institute Main in Brooklyn, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pratt Institute Main is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (5,356 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Pratt Institute Main is in Brooklyn, NY (Large City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pratt Institute Main is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Pratt Institute Main 9:1.

Clarkson vs. Pratt Institute Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Pratt Institute? 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 Pratt Institute ($32,406 vs. $54,150).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pratt Institute Main are 5% lower than at Clarkson University ($17,336 vs. $18,252).
• Pratt Institute Main is 4.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $2,447 more per year; $61,845.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.1% higher at Pratt Institute than at Clarkson University (about $2,447 more per year; $61,845.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Pratt Institute Main (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 78.8% larger than aid received by Pratt Institute Main students ($46,528 vs. $26,021).

Clarkson vs. Pratt Institute Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 30 points higher than at Pratt Institute (1270).
• Incoming Clarkson students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Pratt Institute (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Pratt Institute Main 1150/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Pratt Institute Main 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Pratt Institute - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Pratt Institute Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Pratt Institute students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Clarkson (3.8).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Pratt Institute (73.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 18.3% at Pratt Institute.

Clarkson vs. Pratt Institute Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Pratt Institute? 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 Pratt Institute Main's (62%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $21,600 more per year than Pratt Institute graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pratt Institute Main graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($26,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Pratt Institute graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($271 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pratt Institute students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 76%)

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.