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Clarkson University vs SUNY College at Potsdam

Clarkson University is a private university in Potsdam, NY, and SUNY College at Potsdam is a public college in Potsdam, NY. Clarkson University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 77% of applicants against 78% at SUNY College at Potsdam. SUNY College at Potsdam is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,624 a year against $30,305 at Clarkson University. About 74% of students graduate at Clarkson University, compared with 47% at SUNY College at Potsdam. Ten years after enrolling, Clarkson University alumni earn a median of about $89,696, against $47,866 for SUNY College at Potsdam.

Clarkson University

Potsdam, NY · Private

SUNY College at Potsdam

Potsdam, NY · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Potsdam, NY
Potsdam, NY
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,196
1,823
Acceptance rate
77%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1390
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
25–32
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,305
$13,624
Full cost / yr
$79,022
$25,083
In-state tuition
$59,398
$8,768
Out-of-state tuition
$59,398
$18,678
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$21,335
$8,623
$30k - $48k
$19,934
$8,684
$48k - $75k
$23,321
$14,524
$75k - $110k
$30,990
$15,513
Over $110k
$35,757
$20,041
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
47%
Freshman retention
85%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$76,970
$39,440
Median earnings (10 yr)
$89,696
$47,866
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$24,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
40%
First-generation students
15%
34%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Dec 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
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 SUNY College at Potsdam harder to get into?
Clarkson University is harder to get into. It admits about 77% of applicants, compared with 78% at SUNY College at Potsdam. 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 SUNY College at Potsdam?
SUNY College at Potsdam is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,624 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 SUNY College at Potsdam?
Before aid, SUNY College at Potsdam costs about $25,083 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 SUNY College at Potsdam?
SUNY College at Potsdam. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,623 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 SUNY College at Potsdam?
Clarkson University is the larger of the two, with about 2,196 undergraduates against 1,823 at SUNY College at Potsdam.
Does Clarkson University or SUNY College at Potsdam have a better graduation rate?
Clarkson University has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 47% at SUNY College at Potsdam.
Do graduates of Clarkson University or SUNY College at Potsdam earn more?
Clarkson University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,696 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,866 for SUNY College at Potsdam. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Clarkson University and SUNY College at Potsdam require SAT or ACT scores?
Clarkson University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. SUNY College at Potsdam is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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