Yale vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

Compare Yale University in New Haven, CT with Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Yale University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (15,564 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Yale University is located in New Haven, CT (Midsize City setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Yale University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Yale University 5:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

Yale vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Yale 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 Yale University than Clarkson ($22,408 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 8.3% lower than at Yale University ($18,252 vs. $19,900).
• Yale University is 13.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $7,852 more per year; $67,250.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.2% higher at Yale than at Clarkson University (about $7,852 more per year; $67,250.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Yale University (100% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Yale University students is 41.6% larger than aid received by Clarkson University students ($65,892 vs. $46,528).

Yale vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Yale 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 Yale.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Yale University (1520) is 220 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Yale students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Yale University 1470/1570; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Yale University 33/35; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Yale - Required; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Yale Jan 2, 2027; Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Yale students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Clarkson (3.8).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Yale (3.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 69.8% at Yale vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

Yale vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Yale 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).

• Yale University's six-year graduation rate (97%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Yale University earn a median of about $47,600 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($118,400 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Yale University graduates have a $13,500 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($13,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Yale graduates have an estimated $140 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($139 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Yale students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 84%)

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.