Clarkson vs. Union College

Comparable Facts

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

Clarkson University is larger than Union College based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 2,065 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Union College is in Schenectady, NY (Small City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Union College 9:1.

Clarkson vs. Union College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Union 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 Clarkson University than Union College ($32,406 vs. $42,137).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union College are 6.8% lower than at Clarkson University ($17,010 vs. $18,252).
• Union College is 16.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $9,641 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.2% higher at Union College than at Clarkson University (about $9,641 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Union College (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 9.4% larger than aid received by Union College students ($46,528 vs. $42,534).

Clarkson vs. Union College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union College (1400) is 100 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Union College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Union College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Union College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Union College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Union College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Union College (3.5).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Union College (43.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 13.9% at Union College.

Clarkson vs. Union College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Union 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).

• Union College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Union College earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($74,200 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union College and Clarkson graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Union College and Clarkson graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Union College 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.