Fairfield University vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

Fairfield University vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University 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 Clarkson University than Fairfield University ($32,406 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 8% lower than at Fairfield University ($18,252 vs. $19,838).
• Clarkson University is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $1,048 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at Clarkson than at Fairfield University (about $1,048 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 77.1% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($46,528 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fairfield University 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 Fairfield University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 30 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

Fairfield University vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University 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).

• Fairfield University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clarkson University and Fairfield University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Clarkson University and Fairfield University 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 Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 82%)

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.