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Clarkson University vs Hamilton College

Clarkson University is a private university in Potsdam, NY. Hamilton College is a private college in Clinton, NY. Hamilton College admits about 14% of applicants and Clarkson University about 77%, making Hamilton College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $28,985 a year at Hamilton College after aid, and about $30,305 at Clarkson University. About 91% of students graduate at Hamilton College, compared with 74% at Clarkson University. Ten years after enrolling, Clarkson University alumni earn a median of about $89,696, against $78,411 for Hamilton College.

Clarkson University

Potsdam, NY · Private

Hamilton College

Clinton, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Potsdam, NY
Clinton, NY
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,196
2,030
Acceptance rate
77%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1390
1450–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
25–32
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,305
$28,985
Full cost / yr
$79,022
$84,230
In-state tuition
$59,398
$68,960
Out-of-state tuition
$59,398
$68,960
Application fee
$50
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$21,335
$8,028
$30k - $48k
$19,934
$9,489
$48k - $75k
$23,321
$10,863
$75k - $110k
$30,990
$20,614
Over $110k
$35,757
$46,907
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
91%
Freshman retention
85%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$76,970
$60,082
Median earnings (10 yr)
$89,696
$78,411
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$17,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
18%
First-generation students
15%
13%
International students
4%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Dec 1
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 4

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 Hamilton College harder to get into?
Hamilton College 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 Hamilton College?
Hamilton College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,985 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 Hamilton College?
Before aid, Clarkson University costs about $79,022 a year and Hamilton College about $84,230. 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 Hamilton College?
Hamilton College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,028 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 Hamilton College?
Clarkson University is the larger of the two, with about 2,196 undergraduates against 2,030 at Hamilton College.
Does Clarkson University or Hamilton College have a better graduation rate?
Hamilton College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 74% at Clarkson University.
Do graduates of Clarkson University or Hamilton College earn more?
Clarkson University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,696 ten years after enrolling, against about $78,411 for Hamilton College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Clarkson University and Hamilton College require SAT or ACT scores?
Clarkson University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Hamilton College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Clarkson University and Hamilton College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1390 at Clarkson University and 1450–1550 at Hamilton College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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