Clarkson vs. Wagner College

Comparable Facts

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

Clarkson University is larger than Wagner College based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 2,001 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Wagner College is in Staten Island, NY (Large City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wagner College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Wagner College 11:1.

Clarkson vs. Wagner College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Wagner College? 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 Wagner College than Clarkson ($28,033 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wagner College are 9.7% lower than at Clarkson University ($16,485 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 11.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wagner College (about $6,198 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $53,200.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.7% higher at Clarkson than at Wagner College (about $6,198 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $53,200.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University as at Wagner College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 22.8% larger than aid received by Wagner College students ($46,528 vs. $37,897).

Clarkson vs. Wagner College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 60 points higher than at Wagner College (1240).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Wagner College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Wagner College 1190/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Wagner College 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Wagner College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Wagner College Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Wagner College (3.5).
• Wagner College has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than Clarkson (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 20.1% at Wagner College.

Clarkson vs. Wagner College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Wagner College? 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).

• Clarkson University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Wagner College's (67%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Wagner College graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $64,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wagner College graduates have a $621 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($26,379 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Wagner College graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($272 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wagner College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 80%)

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.