Clarkson vs. Penn

Comparable Facts

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

University of Pennsylvania is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (29,109 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); University of Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Pennsylvania is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; University of Pennsylvania 8:1.

Clarkson vs. Penn Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Penn? 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 University of Pennsylvania than Clarkson ($23,570 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 4.8% lower than at University of Pennsylvania ($18,252 vs. $19,174).
• University of Pennsylvania is 15.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $9,288 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.6% higher at Penn than at Clarkson University (about $9,288 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at University of Pennsylvania (100% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Pennsylvania students is 40.7% larger than aid received by Clarkson University students ($65,458 vs. $46,528).

Clarkson vs. Penn Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Pennsylvania (1540) is 240 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Penn students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; University of Pennsylvania 1510/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; University of Pennsylvania 34/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Penn - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Penn Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Clarkson (3.8).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Penn (5.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 68% at Penn.

Clarkson vs. Penn Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Penn? 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 Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $52,800 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($123,600 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $6,367 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($20,633 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Penn graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($213 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Penn 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.