Clarkson vs. Iona University

Comparable Facts

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

Iona University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (3,958 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Iona University is in New Rochelle, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Iona University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Iona University 16:1.

Clarkson vs. Iona University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Iona University? 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 Iona University than Clarkson ($29,978 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 3% lower than at Iona University ($18,252 vs. $18,820).
• Clarkson University is 25.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Iona University (about $12,138 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $47,260.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.7% higher at Clarkson than at Iona University (about $12,138 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $47,260.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University as at Iona University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 51.2% larger than aid received by Iona University students ($46,528 vs. $30,780).

Clarkson vs. Iona University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clarkson or Iona University? 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 Iona University and Clarkson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 90 points higher than at Iona University (1210).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Iona University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Iona University 1110/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Iona University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Iona University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Iona University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Iona University (3.4).
• Iona University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Clarkson (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 12.9% at Iona University.

Clarkson vs. Iona University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Iona University? 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 Iona University's (57%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than Iona University graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $58,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Iona University graduates have a $953 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($26,047 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Iona University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($269 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Iona 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.