Clarkson vs. Syracuse

Comparable Facts

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

Syracuse University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (22,589 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Syracuse University is in Syracuse, NY (Midsize City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Syracuse University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Syracuse University 15:1.

Clarkson vs. Syracuse Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Syracuse? 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 Clarkson University than Syracuse ($32,406 vs. $48,215).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 4.9% lower than at Syracuse University ($18,252 vs. $19,188).
• Syracuse University is 10.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $6,130 more per year; $65,528.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.3% higher at Syracuse than at Clarkson University (about $6,130 more per year; $65,528.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Syracuse University (100% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 27.8% larger than aid received by Syracuse University students ($46,528 vs. $36,417).

Clarkson vs. Syracuse Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clarkson or Syracuse? 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 Syracuse and Clarkson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Syracuse University (1360) is 60 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Syracuse students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Syracuse University 1270/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Syracuse University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Syracuse - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Syracuse Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Syracuse (3.69).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Syracuse (45.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 18.8% at Syracuse.

Clarkson vs. Syracuse Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Syracuse? 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).

• Syracuse University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Syracuse graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $65,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Syracuse University and Clarkson graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Syracuse University and Clarkson graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Syracuse students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 80%)

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.