DU vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

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

University of Denver is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (12,813 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Denver is located in Denver, CO (Large City setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• University of Denver is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Denver 9:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

DU vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DU 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 DU ($32,406 vs. $45,451).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Denver are 2.7% lower than at Clarkson University ($17,759 vs. $18,252).
• University of Denver is 3.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $2,000 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.4% higher at DU than at Clarkson University (about $2,000 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at University of Denver (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 37% larger than aid received by University of Denver students ($46,528 vs. $33,955).

DU vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DU 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 DU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Denver (1330) is 30 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming DU 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 Denver 1240/1410; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 28/33; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DU - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DU Jan 15, 2027; Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at DU (3.72).
• DU has a higher acceptance rate (77.8%) than Clarkson (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at DU vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

DU vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DU 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 Denver's six-year graduation rate (78%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than DU graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $63,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Denver graduates have a $3,301 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($23,699 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, DU graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($245 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DU students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 72%)

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.