Tufts vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

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

Tufts University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (13,599 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Tufts vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tufts 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 Tufts University than Clarkson ($32,367 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 1.8% lower than at Tufts University ($18,252 vs. $18,588).
• Tufts University is 19% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $11,306 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19% higher at Tufts than at Clarkson University (about $11,306 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Tufts University (100% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tufts University students is 20.2% larger than aid received by Clarkson University students ($55,933 vs. $46,528).

Tufts vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tufts 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 Tufts.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tufts University (1520) is 220 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Tufts 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: Tufts University 1470/1560; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tufts University 33/35; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tufts - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tufts Jan 1, 2027; Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tufts students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Clarkson (3.8).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Tufts (11.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 45.5% at Tufts vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

Tufts vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tufts 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).

• Tufts University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Tufts University earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tufts University graduates have a $9,000 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($18,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Tufts graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($186 vs. $279).
• More Tufts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clarkson students, three years after graduation. (91% vs. 86%)

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.