TCNJ vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

Compare The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ with Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The College of New Jersey is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (8,141 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The College of New Jersey is located in Ewing, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• The College of New Jersey is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The College of New Jersey 14:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

TCNJ vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, TCNJ 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 The College of New Jersey than Clarkson ($25,580 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The College of New Jersey are 17.9% lower than at Clarkson University ($14,976 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 202.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than TCNJ (about $39,766 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $19,632.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 130.7% higher at Clarkson than at The College of New Jersey (about $33,646 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $25,752.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at The College of New Jersey (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 248.3% larger than aid received by The College of New Jersey students ($46,528 vs. $13,360).

TCNJ vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, TCNJ 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 TCNJ.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 60 points higher than at TCNJ (1240).
• Incoming TCNJ students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Clarkson (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The College of New Jersey 1140/1340; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The College of New Jersey 26/31; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: TCNJ - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TCNJ Feb 1, 2027; Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at TCNJ (3.29).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than TCNJ (62.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.7% at TCNJ vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

TCNJ vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for TCNJ 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).

• The College of New Jersey's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than TCNJ graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $62,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The College of New Jersey graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, TCNJ graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former TCNJ students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 85%)

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.