Northeastern vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University 16:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

Northeastern vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern 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 Northeastern ($32,406 vs. $34,207).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 6.8% lower than at Northeastern University ($18,252 vs. $19,580).
• Northeastern University is 11.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $6,764 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.4% higher at Northeastern than at Clarkson University (about $6,764 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Northeastern University (100% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University students is 8.4% larger than aid received by Clarkson University students ($50,421 vs. $46,528).

Northeastern vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern 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 Northeastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University (1490) is 190 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Northeastern students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 1440/1540; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 33/35; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Jan 1, 2027; Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Clarkson (3.8).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.8% at Northeastern vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

Northeastern vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern 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).

• Northeastern University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Northeastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $69,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clarkson University graduates have a $875 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Clarkson graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($279 vs. $288).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 79%)

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.