Alfred University vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

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

Clarkson University is larger than Alfred University based on total student enrollment (3,348 students vs. 2,007 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Alfred University vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alfred University 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 Alfred University than Clarkson ($26,470 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alfred University are 15.7% lower than at Clarkson University ($15,380 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 43.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alfred University (about $17,898 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $41,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.1% higher at Clarkson than at Alfred University (about $17,898 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $41,500.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Alfred University as at Clarkson University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 50% larger than aid received by Alfred University students ($46,528 vs. $31,022).

Alfred University vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alfred University 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 Alfred University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 100 points higher than at Alfred University (1200).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Alfred University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alfred University 1095/1310; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alfred University 24/29; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alfred University - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alfred University Feb 1, 2027; Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Alfred University (3.4).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Alfred University (73.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at Alfred University vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

Alfred University vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alfred University 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 Alfred University's (60%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $25,100 more per year than Alfred University graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clarkson University and Alfred University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Clarkson University and Alfred University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alfred University 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.