UD vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Delaware in Newark, DE with Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Delaware is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (24,412 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Delaware is located in Newark, DE (Large Suburban setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• University of Delaware is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Delaware 16:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

UD vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UD 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 University of Delaware than Clarkson ($19,139 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Delaware are 15.7% lower than at Clarkson University ($15,386 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 253.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UD (about $42,588 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $16,810.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.5% higher at Clarkson than at University of Delaware (about $17,998 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $41,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at University of Delaware (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 249.8% larger than aid received by University of Delaware students ($46,528 vs. $13,302).

UD vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UD 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 UD.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 20 points higher than at UD (1280).
• Incoming UD students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Delaware 1190/1370; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Delaware 28/32; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UD - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UD Jan 15, 2027; Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UD students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at Clarkson (3.8).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than UD (70.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.7% at UD vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

UD vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UD 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).

• University of Delaware's six-year graduation rate (78%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than UD graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $61,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Delaware graduates have a $2,797 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($24,203 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UD graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UD students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 80%)

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.