Clarkson vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

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

Seattle University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (7,189 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Seattle University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Seattle University 10:1.

Clarkson vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Seattle U? 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 Seattle U ($32,406 vs. $36,948).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 14% lower than at Clarkson University ($15,702 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 4.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seattle U (about $2,677 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.7% higher at Clarkson than at Seattle University (about $2,677 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University as at Seattle University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 31.6% larger than aid received by Seattle University students ($46,528 vs. $35,351).

Clarkson vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clarkson or Seattle U? 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 Seattle U and Clarkson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Seattle University (1320) is 20 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Clarkson students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Seattle U).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Seattle U (3.62).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Seattle U (76.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

Clarkson vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Seattle U? 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 Seattle University's (71%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than Seattle U graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $60,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Seattle U graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Seattle U students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 75%)

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.