Trinity College vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

Compare Trinity College in Hartford, CT with Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clarkson University is larger than Trinity College based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 2,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Trinity College is located in Hartford, CT (Midsize City setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Trinity College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Trinity College 9:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

Trinity College vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Trinity College 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 Trinity College ($32,406 vs. $36,071).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 3.4% lower than at Trinity College ($18,252 vs. $18,890).
• Trinity College is 19.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $11,372 more per year; $70,770.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.1% higher at Trinity College than at Clarkson University (about $11,372 more per year; $70,770.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Trinity College (100% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Trinity College students is 11.2% larger than aid received by Clarkson University students ($51,754 vs. $46,528).

Trinity College vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Trinity College 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 Trinity College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Trinity College (1380) is 80 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Trinity College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Trinity College 1298/1470; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Trinity College 30/34; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Trinity College - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Trinity College Jan 17, 2027; Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Trinity College students have the same average high school GPA (3.8) as students at Clarkson (3.8).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Trinity College (29.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.8% at Trinity College vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

Trinity College vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Trinity College 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).

• Trinity College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Trinity College earn a median of about $700 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,500 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Trinity College graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($21,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Trinity College graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($217 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Trinity College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 81%)

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.