Clarkson vs. Fisher

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY with St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

St. John Fisher University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (3,693 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); St. John Fisher University is in Rochester, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. St. John Fisher University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; St. John Fisher University 11:1.

Clarkson vs. Fisher Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Fisher? 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 St. John Fisher University than Clarkson ($30,540 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at St. John Fisher University are 18.3% lower than at Clarkson University ($14,908 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 44.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisher (about $18,208 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $41,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.2% higher at Clarkson than at St. John Fisher University (about $18,208 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $41,190.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University as at St. John Fisher University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 89.7% larger than aid received by St. John Fisher University students ($46,528 vs. $24,530).

Clarkson vs. Fisher Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 90 points higher than at Fisher (1210).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Fisher).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; St. John Fisher University 1120/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; St. John Fisher University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Fisher - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Fisher (3.53).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Fisher (66.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 20.3% at Fisher.

Clarkson vs. Fisher Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Fisher? 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).

• St. John Fisher University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $20,000 more per year than Fisher graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $50,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, St. John Fisher University graduates have a $3,100 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($23,900 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Fisher graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($247 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisher students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 74%)

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.