Clarkson vs. U of R

Comparable Facts

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

University of Rochester is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (11,946 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clarkson vs. U of R Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or U of R? 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 U of R ($32,406 vs. $40,462).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 7.8% lower than at University of Rochester ($18,252 vs. $19,792).
• University of Rochester is 12.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $7,682 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.9% higher at U of R than at Clarkson University (about $7,682 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at University of Rochester (100% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 2.3% larger than aid received by University of Rochester students ($46,528 vs. $45,500).

Clarkson vs. U of R Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clarkson or U of R? 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 U of R and Clarkson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Rochester (1480) is 180 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming U of R students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; University of Rochester 1410/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; University of Rochester 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; U of R - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; U of R Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at U of R (3.75).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than U of R (40.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 15.4% at U of R.

Clarkson vs. U of R Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and U of R? 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 Rochester's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from University of Rochester earn a median of about $200 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,000 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Rochester graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, U of R graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former U of R students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 79%)

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.