Suffolk University vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

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

Suffolk University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Suffolk University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Suffolk University 15:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

Suffolk University vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Suffolk 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 Suffolk University ($32,406 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 14.4% lower than at Suffolk University ($18,252 vs. $21,326).
• Clarkson University is 24.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Suffolk University (about $11,848 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $47,550.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.9% higher at Clarkson than at Suffolk University (about $11,848 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $47,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Suffolk University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 47.4% larger than aid received by Suffolk University students ($46,528 vs. $31,558).

Suffolk University vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 100 points higher than at Suffolk University (1200).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Suffolk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 1090/1300; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 24/28; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Suffolk University - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027; Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Suffolk University (3.33).
• Suffolk University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than Clarkson (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.9% at Suffolk University vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

Suffolk University vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Suffolk 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 Suffolk University's (54%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $11,700 more per year than Suffolk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $59,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clarkson University and Suffolk University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Clarkson University and Suffolk 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 Suffolk University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 70%)

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.