Clarkson vs. Alfred State College

Comparable Facts

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

SUNY College of Technology at Alfred is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (3,781 students vs. 3,348 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); SUNY College of Technology at Alfred is in Alfred, NY (Rural Fringe setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; SUNY College of Technology at Alfred 16:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred are 19.9% lower than at Clarkson University ($14,624 vs. $18,252).
• Out-of-state tuition is 252.8% higher at Clarkson than at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred (about $42,561 more per year; $59,398 vs. $16,837).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 366.9% larger than aid received by SUNY College of Technology at Alfred students ($46,528 vs. $9,966).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 6 points higher at Clarkson than at Alfred State College (28 vs. 22, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Clarkson and Alfred State College.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Clarkson average a 3.8 high school GPA, 0.7 higher than at Alfred State College (3.1).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 16% at Alfred State College.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY College of Technology at Alfred graduates have a $12,126 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($14,874 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Alfred State College graduates have an estimated $126 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($153 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alfred State College students, three years after graduation (86% vs. 66%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.