Clarkson vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

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

Thomas Jefferson University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Thomas Jefferson University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Thomas Jefferson University 12:1.

Clarkson vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Jefferson? 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 Thomas Jefferson University than Clarkson ($29,325 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Jefferson University are 13.2% lower than at Clarkson University ($15,834 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 25% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jefferson (about $11,893 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25% higher at Clarkson than at Thomas Jefferson University (about $11,893 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University as at Thomas Jefferson University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 32.9% larger than aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students ($46,528 vs. $35,007).

Clarkson vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 50 points higher than at Jefferson (1250).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Jefferson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Jefferson (3.73).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Clarkson (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

Clarkson vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Jefferson? 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).

• Graduates from Thomas Jefferson University earn a median of about $52,100 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $14,500 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($12,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $150 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($129 vs. $279).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clarkson students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 86%)

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.