Clarkson vs. Providence

Comparable Facts

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

Providence College is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (4,666 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Providence College is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Providence College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Providence College 11:1.

Clarkson vs. Providence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Providence? 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 Providence ($32,406 vs. $48,618).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Providence College are 2.3% lower than at Clarkson University ($17,840 vs. $18,252).
• Providence College is 7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $4,152 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7% higher at Providence than at Clarkson University (about $4,152 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Providence College (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 46% larger than aid received by Providence College students ($46,528 vs. $31,873).

Clarkson vs. Providence Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Providence College (1320) is 20 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Providence students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Providence College 1250/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Providence College 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Providence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Providence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Providence (3.47).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Providence (50.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 19.2% at Providence.

Clarkson vs. Providence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Providence? 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).

• Providence College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Providence graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $68,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Providence College and Clarkson graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Providence College 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 Providence students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 80%)

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.