Clarkson vs. Vassar

Comparable Facts

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

Clarkson University is larger than Vassar based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 2,462 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Vassar College is in Poughkeepsie, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vassar College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Vassar College 7:1.

Clarkson vs. Vassar Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Vassar? 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 Vassar College than Clarkson ($29,981 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Vassar College are 0.1% lower than at Clarkson University ($18,240 vs. $18,252).
• Vassar College is 19.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $11,632 more per year; $71,030.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.6% higher at Vassar than at Clarkson University (about $11,632 more per year; $71,030.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Vassar College (100% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vassar College students is 23.5% larger than aid received by Clarkson University students ($57,443 vs. $46,528).

Clarkson vs. Vassar Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vassar College (1500) is 200 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Vassar students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Vassar College 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Vassar College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Vassar - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Vassar Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vassar students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Clarkson (3.8).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Vassar (18.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 28.8% at Vassar.

Clarkson vs. Vassar Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Vassar? 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).

• Vassar College's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than Vassar graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $58,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vassar College graduates have a $11,220 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($15,780 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Vassar graduates have an estimated $116 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($163 vs. $279).
• More Vassar graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clarkson students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 86%)

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.