Clarkson vs. SUNY-ESF

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY with SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clarkson University is larger than SUNY-ESF based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 2,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is in Syracuse, NY (Midsize City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry 14:1.

Clarkson vs. SUNY-ESF Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or SUNY-ESF? 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 College of Environmental Science and Forestry than Clarkson ($19,814 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry are 0.9% lower than at Clarkson University ($18,080 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 538.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than SUNY-ESF (about $50,095 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $9,303.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 166.8% higher at Clarkson than at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (about $37,135 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $22,263.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 434.9% larger than aid received by SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students ($46,528 vs. $8,699).

Clarkson vs. SUNY-ESF Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clarkson or SUNY-ESF? 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 SUNY-ESF and Clarkson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 80 points higher than at SUNY-ESF (1220).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at SUNY-ESF).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1130/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; SUNY-ESF - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; SUNY-ESF Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at SUNY-ESF (3.7).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than SUNY-ESF (63.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 17.6% at SUNY-ESF.

Clarkson vs. SUNY-ESF Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and SUNY-ESF? 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 College of Environmental Science and Forestry's (66%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $24,600 more per year than SUNY-ESF graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $46,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry graduates have a $7,250 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($19,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SUNY-ESF graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($204 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SUNY-ESF students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 78%)

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.