Clarkson vs. Siena College

Comparable Facts

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

Siena College is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (3,720 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Siena College is in Loudonville, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Siena College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Siena College 12:1.

Clarkson vs. Siena College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Siena College? 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 Siena College ($32,406 vs. $32,955).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Siena College are 6.4% lower than at Clarkson University ($17,085 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 27.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Siena College (about $12,818 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $46,580.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.5% higher at Clarkson than at Siena College (about $12,818 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $46,580.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Siena College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 45.8% larger than aid received by Siena College students ($46,528 vs. $31,915).

Clarkson vs. Siena College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 60 points higher than at Siena College (1240).
• Incoming Siena College 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; Siena College 1110/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Siena College 27/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Siena College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Siena College Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Siena College (3.53).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Siena College (69%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 11.9% at Siena College.

Clarkson vs. Siena College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Siena College? 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).

• Siena College's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $11,000 more per year than Siena College graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $59,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Siena College and Clarkson graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Siena 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 Siena College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 81%)

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.