Rider University vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

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

Rider University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (4,003 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rider University is located in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rider University 14:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

Rider University vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rider 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 Rider University than Clarkson ($26,506 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rider University are 5.6% lower than at Clarkson University ($17,230 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 44.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $18,278 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.5% higher at Clarkson than at Rider University (about $18,278 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Rider University as at Clarkson University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 58.8% larger than aid received by Rider University students ($46,528 vs. $29,294).

Rider University vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 90 points higher than at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 1100/1320; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 27/31; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rider University - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than Clarkson (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Rider University vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

Rider University vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rider 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).

• Clarkson University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Rider University's (63%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $17,800 more per year than Rider University graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $53,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rider University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rider University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rider University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 73%)

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.