College of the Atlantic vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

Compare College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, ME with Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clarkson University is larger than College of the Atlantic based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 358 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of the Atlantic is located in Bar Harbor, ME (Rural Fringe setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• College of the Atlantic is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Atlantic 9:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

College of the Atlantic vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, College of the Atlantic or Clarkson? 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 College of the Atlantic than Clarkson ($21,829 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Atlantic are 43% lower than at Clarkson University ($10,404 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 23.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than College of the Atlantic (about $11,401 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $47,997.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.8% higher at Clarkson than at College of the Atlantic (about $11,401 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $47,997.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at College of the Atlantic as at Clarkson University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 27.7% larger than aid received by College of the Atlantic students ($46,528 vs. $36,437).

College of the Atlantic vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, College of the Atlantic or Clarkson? 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 Clarkson and College of the Atlantic.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Atlantic (1340) is 40 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Atlantic 1240/1430; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsClarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: College of the Atlantic - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: College of the Atlantic Feb 1, 2027; Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at College of the Atlantic (3.69).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than College of the Atlantic (70.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.4% at College of the Atlantic vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

College of the Atlantic vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for College of the Atlantic and Clarkson? 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 College of the Atlantic's (71%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $42,600 more per year than College of the Atlantic graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $28,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of the Atlantic graduates have a $7,250 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($19,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, College of the Atlantic graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($204 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former College of the Atlantic students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 75%)

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.