Clarkson vs. Skidmore College

Comparable Facts

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

Clarkson University is larger than Skidmore College based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 2,704 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Skidmore College is in Saratoga Springs, NY (Small Suburban setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Skidmore College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Skidmore College 8:1.

Clarkson vs. Skidmore College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Skidmore 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 Skidmore College than Clarkson ($31,187 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Skidmore College are 1.7% lower than at Clarkson University ($17,940 vs. $18,252).
• Skidmore College is 13.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $7,892 more per year; $67,290.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.3% higher at Skidmore College than at Clarkson University (about $7,892 more per year; $67,290.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Skidmore College (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Skidmore College students is 16.2% larger than aid received by Clarkson University students ($54,083 vs. $46,528).

Clarkson vs. Skidmore College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Skidmore College (1410) is 110 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Skidmore College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Skidmore College 1340/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Skidmore College 31/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Skidmore College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Skidmore College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Skidmore College (3.75).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Skidmore College (21.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 26.6% at Skidmore College.

Clarkson vs. Skidmore College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Skidmore 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).

• Skidmore College's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $16,400 more per year than Skidmore College graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $54,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Skidmore College graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($19,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Skidmore College graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($201 vs. $279).
• More Skidmore College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clarkson students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 86%)

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.