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Clarkson University vs Elmira College

Clarkson University is a private university in Potsdam, NY. Elmira College is a private college in Elmira, NY. Both admit about 77% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $22,386 a year at Elmira College after aid, and about $30,305 at Clarkson University. About 74% of students graduate at Clarkson University, compared with 64% at Elmira College. Ten years after enrolling, Clarkson University alumni earn a median of about $89,696, against $57,550 for Elmira College.

Clarkson University

Potsdam, NY · Private

Elmira College

Elmira, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Potsdam, NY
Elmira, NY
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,196
708
Acceptance rate
77%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1390
1090–1385
ACT (middle 50%)
25–32
26–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,305
$22,386
Full cost / yr
$79,022
$52,449
In-state tuition
$59,398
$38,976
Out-of-state tuition
$59,398
$38,976
Application fee
$50
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$21,335
$17,392
$30k - $48k
$19,934
$16,586
$48k - $75k
$23,321
$19,938
$75k - $110k
$30,990
$23,309
Over $110k
$35,757
$27,418
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
64%
Freshman retention
85%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$76,970
$49,057
Median earnings (10 yr)
$89,696
$57,550
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
38%
First-generation students
15%
27%
International students
4%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Dec 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling

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 Elmira College harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 77% of applicants. 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 Elmira College?
Elmira College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,386 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 Elmira College?
Before aid, Elmira College costs about $52,449 a year and Clarkson University about $79,022. 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 Elmira College?
Elmira College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,392 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 Elmira College?
Clarkson University is the larger of the two, with about 2,196 undergraduates against 708 at Elmira College.
Does Clarkson University or Elmira College have a better graduation rate?
Clarkson University has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 64% at Elmira College.
Do graduates of Clarkson University or Elmira College earn more?
Clarkson University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,696 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,550 for Elmira College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Clarkson University and Elmira College require SAT or ACT scores?
Clarkson University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Elmira College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Clarkson University and Elmira College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1390 at Clarkson University and 1090–1385 at Elmira College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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