FDU vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus in Madison, NJ with Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clarkson University is larger than FDU based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 2,885 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus is located in Madison, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus 11:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

FDU vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, FDU 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 Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus than Clarkson ($25,585 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus are 10.9% lower than at Clarkson University ($16,270 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 56.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than FDU (about $21,394 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $38,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.3% higher at Clarkson than at Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus (about $21,394 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $38,004.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus as at Clarkson University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 64.4% larger than aid received by Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus students ($46,528 vs. $28,294).

FDU vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, FDU 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 FDU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 120 points higher than at FDU (1180).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at FDU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus 1040/1310; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus 19/30; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: FDU - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at FDU (3.42).
• FDU has a higher acceptance rate (95.2%) than Clarkson (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.5% at FDU vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

FDU vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for FDU 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 Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus's (55%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $17,900 more per year than FDU graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $52,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, FDU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former FDU students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 60%)

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.