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 table 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.

Clarkson vs. Alfred State College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Alfred State 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 College of Technology at Alfred than Clarkson ($15,283 vs. $32,406).
• 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).
• Clarkson University is 568% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alfred State College (about $50,506 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $8,892.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 252.8% higher at Clarkson than at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred (about $42,561 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $16,837.00).
• 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).

Clarkson vs. Alfred State College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 200 points higher than at Alfred State College (1100).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at Alfred State College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; SUNY College of Technology at Alfred 990/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; SUNY College of Technology at Alfred 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Alfred State College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.7 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Alfred State College (3.1).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Alfred State College (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 16% at Alfred State College.

Clarkson vs. Alfred State College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Alfred State 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 College of Technology at Alfred's (68%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $28,700 more per year than Alfred State College graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $42,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• 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 https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.