Clarkson vs. Purchase College

Comparable Facts

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

Clarkson University is larger than Purchase College based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 3,333 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clarkson vs. Purchase College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Purchase 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 SUNY at Purchase College than Clarkson ($18,211 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at SUNY at Purchase College are 9.9% lower than at Clarkson University ($16,436 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 563.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purchase College (about $50,445 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $8,953.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 209.3% higher at Clarkson than at SUNY at Purchase College (about $40,195 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $19,203.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at SUNY at Purchase College (100% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 346% larger than aid received by SUNY at Purchase College students ($46,528 vs. $10,432).

Clarkson vs. Purchase College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 20 points higher than at Purchase College (1280).
• Incoming Clarkson students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Purchase College (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; SUNY at Purchase College 1185/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; SUNY at Purchase College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Purchase College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Purchase College Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Purchase College (3.37).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Purchase College (74%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 12.9% at Purchase College.

Clarkson vs. Purchase College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Purchase 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).

• Clarkson University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than SUNY at Purchase College's (56%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $30,600 more per year than Purchase College graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY at Purchase College graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Purchase College graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Purchase College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 65%)

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.