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Clarkson University vs Colgate University

Clarkson University is a private university in Potsdam, NY. Colgate University is a private university in Hamilton, NY. Colgate University admits about 14% of applicants and Clarkson University about 77%, making Colgate University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $28,786 a year at Colgate University after aid, and about $30,305 at Clarkson University. About 91% of students graduate at Colgate University, compared with 74% at Clarkson University. Ten years after enrolling, Clarkson University alumni earn a median of about $89,696, against $85,139 for Colgate University.

Clarkson University

Potsdam, NY · Private

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Potsdam, NY
Hamilton, NY
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
2,196
3,180
Acceptance rate
77%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1390
1430–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
25–32
33–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,305
$28,786
Full cost / yr
$79,022
$87,070
In-state tuition
$59,398
$70,306
Out-of-state tuition
$59,398
$70,306
Application fee
$50
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$21,335
$6,086
$30k - $48k
$19,934
$2,678
$48k - $75k
$23,321
$13,617
$75k - $110k
$30,990
$21,831
Over $110k
$35,757
$48,234
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
91%
Freshman retention
85%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$76,970
$64,949
Median earnings (10 yr)
$89,696
$85,139
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$15,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
13%
First-generation students
15%
18%
International students
4%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Dec 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Clarkson University or Colgate University harder to get into?
Colgate University is harder to get into. It admits about 14% of applicants, compared with 77% at Clarkson University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Clarkson University or Colgate University?
Colgate University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,786 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,305 at Clarkson University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Clarkson University and Colgate University?
Before aid, Clarkson University costs about $79,022 a year and Colgate University about $87,070. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Clarkson University or Colgate University?
Colgate University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,086 there, against about $21,335 at Clarkson University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Clarkson University or Colgate University?
Colgate University is the larger of the two, with about 3,180 undergraduates against 2,196 at Clarkson University.
Does Clarkson University or Colgate University have a better graduation rate?
Colgate University has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 74% at Clarkson University.
Do graduates of Clarkson University or Colgate University earn more?
Clarkson University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,696 ten years after enrolling, against about $85,139 for Colgate University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Clarkson University and Colgate University require SAT or ACT scores?
Clarkson University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Colgate University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Clarkson University and Colgate University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1390 at Clarkson University and 1430–1540 at Colgate University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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