Clarkson vs. Villanova

Comparable Facts

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

Villanova University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (10,041 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Villanova University is in Villanova, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Villanova University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Villanova University 10:1.

Clarkson vs. Villanova Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Villanova? 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 Villanova ($32,406 vs. $37,201).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Villanova University are 3.1% lower than at Clarkson University ($17,694 vs. $18,252).
• Villanova University is 14.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $8,378 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.1% higher at Villanova than at Clarkson University (about $8,378 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Villanova University (100% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Villanova University students is 2.3% larger than aid received by Clarkson University students ($47,609 vs. $46,528).

Clarkson vs. Villanova Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Villanova University (1450) is 150 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Villanova students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Villanova University 1395/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Villanova University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Villanova - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Villanova Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Villanova students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Clarkson (3.8).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Villanova (27%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 27.7% at Villanova.

Clarkson vs. Villanova Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Villanova? 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).

• Villanova University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Villanova University earn a median of about $14,300 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,100 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Villanova University graduates have a $503 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($26,497 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Villanova graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Villanova graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clarkson students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.