Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

Clarkson University vs Colgate University

42 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

15
Clarkson Wins
4
Tied / N/A
23
Colgate Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Rural
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Mid-Atlantic
2,196
Enrollment
3,180
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

77%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1304
SAT Average
1508
29
ACT Midpoint
33
1200-1390
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$59,398
In-State Tuition
$70,306
$59,398
Out-of-State Tuition
$70,306
$30,305
Average Net Price
$28,786
$21,335
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$6,086
$19,934
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,678
$23,321
Net Price ($48-75K)
$13,617
$35,757
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,234
22%
Pell Grant Rate
13%
62%
Federal Loan Rate
12%

Academics

74%
Graduation Rate
91%
85%
Retention Rate
93%
78%
Full-Time Faculty
93%
$11,357
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,098
15%
First-Gen Students
18%

Student Body

30%
Female
58%
74%
White
64%
13%
Hispanic
10%
3%
Black
4%
2%
Asian
5%
0.43
Diversity Index
0.56

Outcomes

$76,970
Earnings (6yr)
$64,949
$78,777
Earnings (8yr)
$74,696
$89,696
Earnings (10yr)
$85,139
$26,000
Median Debt
$15,000
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.18x
86%
Earning Above HS
79%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

296.70%
Mobility Rate
87.41%
5299.4%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3653.6%
559.9%
From Bottom 20%
239.2%
$94,600
Parent Median Income
$208,900

Social Capital

1.70
Economic Connectedness
1.86
-0.03
Friending Bias
0.01
5.3%
Volunteering Rate
9.4%

The Overviews

Clarkson University

Potsdam, NY · Private nonprofit

77% accept 74% grad $89,696 earnings $30,305 net

With an acceptance rate of 77%, Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, is a solid choice for students seeking a blend of academic rigor and community feel. It's particularly suitable for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business and Marketing, Biology, Computer Science, and Psychology. The hands-on learning and collaborative environment stand out, making it easier for students to connect their studies to real-world applications.

Looking at what comes after graduation, the average earnings ten years out is $89,696. This figure is telling; it suggests that graduates from Clarkson tend to find good job opportunities that lead to solid financial stability. While the median debt is $26,000, the affordability of education here can help mitigate the long-term financial burden for many students.

When we talk about the practical side of attending Clarkson, the net price after aid hovers around $30,305. This cost is manageable compared to what many private institutions charge, especially when considering the potential return on investment. Students who thrive here are typically those who are proactive, engaged, and eager to apply their learning in real-world contexts. The supportive campus community also plays a role in helping students succeed.

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private nonprofit

14% accept 91% grad $85,139 earnings $28,786 net

With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Colgate University attracts students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply with their studies. This school is a great fit for those interested in fields like Social Sciences, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences. The tight-knit community and emphasis on critical thinking make it a place where students can really thrive.

After graduation, Colgate alums see an impressive median earnings of $85,139 after ten years. This strong financial outcome reflects not just the quality of education, but also the commitment of students to leverage their degrees in meaningful ways. While the Pell Grant rate sits at 13%, the majority of students manage to find success in their careers, illustrating that hard work and dedication pay off.

On the practical side, the net price after aid stands at $28,786, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $15,000 is relatively low, suggesting that most students graduate with a solid financial footing. Those who tend to thrive here are motivated individuals seeking a challenging academic environment and who value the connections made during their time at Colgate.

Sponsored

Compare Accredited Programs Accepting Applicants

Matched to high-demand fields — request info, free.

Ad