Clarkson vs. University of Scranton

Comparable Facts

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

University of Scranton is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (4,724 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); University of Scranton is in Scranton, PA (Small City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Scranton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; University of Scranton 11:1.

Clarkson vs. University of Scranton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or University of Scranton? 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 Scranton ($32,406 vs. $34,234).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Scranton are 4.8% lower than at Clarkson University ($17,380 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 10% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Scranton (about $5,415 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $53,983.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10% higher at Clarkson than at University of Scranton (about $5,415 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $53,983.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at University of Scranton (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 30.7% larger than aid received by University of Scranton students ($46,528 vs. $35,606).

Clarkson vs. University of Scranton Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 60 points higher than at University of Scranton (1240).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at University of Scranton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; University of Scranton 1160/1318.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; University of Scranton 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; University of Scranton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; University of Scranton Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at University of Scranton (3.56).
• University of Scranton has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than Clarkson (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 11.3% at University of Scranton.

Clarkson vs. University of Scranton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and University of Scranton? 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 Scranton's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than University of Scranton graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $62,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Scranton and Clarkson graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, University of Scranton and Clarkson graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Scranton students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 81%)

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.