Clarkson vs. University of Dayton

Comparable Facts

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

University of Dayton is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (10,506 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); University of Dayton is in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; University of Dayton 14:1.

Clarkson vs. University of Dayton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or University of Dayton? 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 University of Dayton ($32,406 vs. $32,794).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dayton are 8% lower than at Clarkson University ($16,800 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 20.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Dayton (about $10,258 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.9% higher at Clarkson than at University of Dayton (about $10,258 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at University of Dayton (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 39.2% larger than aid received by University of Dayton students ($46,528 vs. $33,418).

Clarkson vs. University of Dayton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clarkson or University of Dayton? 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 University of Dayton and Clarkson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 10 points higher than at University of Dayton (1290).
• Incoming Clarkson students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at University of Dayton (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; University of Dayton 1200/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; University of Dayton 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; University of Dayton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at University of Dayton (3.77).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than University of Dayton (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 11.7% at University of Dayton.

Clarkson vs. University of Dayton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and University of Dayton? 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).

• University of Dayton's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $13,500 more per year than University of Dayton graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Dayton students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 84%)

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.