Clarkson vs. Staten Island

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY with College of Staten Island CUNY in Staten Island, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

College of Staten Island CUNY is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (11,033 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); College of Staten Island CUNY is in Staten Island, NY (Large City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. College of Staten Island CUNY is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; College of Staten Island CUNY 17:1.

Clarkson vs. Staten Island Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Staten Island? 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 College of Staten Island CUNY than Clarkson ($6,525 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 13.7% lower than at College of Staten Island CUNY ($18,252 vs. $21,155).
• Clarkson University is 693% more expensive for in-state tuition than Staten Island (about $51,908 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $7,490.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 284.7% higher at Clarkson than at College of Staten Island CUNY (about $43,958 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $15,440.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at College of Staten Island CUNY (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 445.7% larger than aid received by College of Staten Island CUNY students ($46,528 vs. $8,526).

Clarkson vs. Staten Island Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clarkson or Staten Island? 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 Staten Island and Clarkson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 230 points higher than at Staten Island (1070).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; College of Staten Island CUNY 890/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Staten Island - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.8 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Staten Island (3.0).
• Staten Island has a higher acceptance rate (92.3%) than Clarkson (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 17% at Staten Island.

Clarkson vs. Staten Island Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Staten Island? 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 College of Staten Island CUNY's (48%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $25,700 more per year than Staten Island graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $45,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of Staten Island CUNY graduates have a $13,013 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($13,987 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Staten Island graduates have an estimated $135 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($144 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Staten Island students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 49%)

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.