USF vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

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

University of San Francisco is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (8,913 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of San Francisco is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• University of San Francisco is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of San Francisco 11:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

USF vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USF 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 USF ($32,406 vs. $45,443).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 7.7% lower than at University of San Francisco ($18,252 vs. $19,764).
• University of San Francisco is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $1,094 more per year; $60,492.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at USF than at Clarkson University (about $1,094 more per year; $60,492.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at University of San Francisco (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 34% larger than aid received by University of San Francisco students ($46,528 vs. $34,723).

USF vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USF 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 USF.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 10 points higher than at USF (1290).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at USF).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 1190/1390; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 25/30; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USF - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: USF Jan 15, 2027; Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at USF (3.57).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than USF (61.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6% at USF vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

USF vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USF 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 University of San Francisco's (70%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $400 more per year than USF graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $70,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of San Francisco graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, USF graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USF students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 73%)

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.