Clarkson vs. USMMA

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY with United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clarkson University is larger than USMMA based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 976 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); United States Merchant Marine Academy is in Kings Point, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. United States Merchant Marine Academy is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; United States Merchant Marine Academy 13:1.

Clarkson vs. USMMA Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or USMMA? 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 United States Merchant Marine Academy than Clarkson ($4,101 vs. $32,406).
• Clarkson University is 6,536.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than USMMA (about $58,503 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $895.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6,536.6% higher at Clarkson than at United States Merchant Marine Academy (about $58,503 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $895.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at United States Merchant Marine Academy (100% vs. 10%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 818.3% larger than aid received by United States Merchant Marine Academy students ($46,528 vs. $5,067).

Clarkson vs. USMMA Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 90 points higher than at USMMA (1210).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at USMMA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; United States Merchant Marine Academy 1110/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; United States Merchant Marine Academy 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; USMMA - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; USMMA Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at USMMA (3.6).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than USMMA (34.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 64.1% at USMMA.

Clarkson vs. USMMA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and USMMA? 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 United States Merchant Marine Academy earn a median of about $21,600 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($92,400 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, United States Merchant Marine Academy graduates have a $20,500 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($6,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, USMMA graduates have an estimated $212 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($67 vs. $279).

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.