Clarkson University
Clarkson University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Clarkson University at a Glance
Clarkson University is a private research university with its main campus in Potsdam, New York. Clarkson has additional graduate programs and research facilities in the New York Capital District. It was established in 1896 and enrolled over 4,000 students in 2024. Students pursue bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in each of its schools and institutes: the David D. Reh School of Business, Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Earl R. and Barbara D. Lewis School o…
1896
130 years old
$214M
$214 million (2024)
4,000
750
640 acres
Identity
How to Apply to Clarkson University
Official admissions pageJanuary 15 (Early Decision)
Is Clarkson University Worth It?
Clarkson University offers moderate value at $30,305/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $89,696, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 74% graduation rate means roughly 26% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Clarkson University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NY
Ranked #2 of 25 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ohio Northern University | 62 | $24,478 | $80,928 |
| #2 | Clarkson University | 55 | $30,305 | $89,696 |
| #3 | University of the Pacific | 53 | $25,447 | $78,445 |
| #4 | Immaculata University | 53 | $24,258 | $75,701 |
| #5 | Manhattan University | 51 | $27,256 | $86,316 |
| #6 | The Catholic University of America | 50 | $29,561 | $73,250 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Clarkson University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in NY.
Best Programs at Clarkson University
The highest-earning program at Clarkson University is Computer Science at $78,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $21,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Science graduate from Clarkson University earns $78,300, while a Biology, General graduate earns $21,600. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $30,305/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $78,300 | $78,300 | N/A |
| Computer Engineering | $70,900 | $70,900 | $27,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $67,900 | $67,900 | $24,750 |
| Chemical Engineering | $65,400 | $65,400 | $27,000 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | $64,300 | $64,300 | $27,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $63,800 | $63,800 | $27,000 |
| Engineering-Related Fields | $60,300 | $60,300 | $27,000 |
| Civil Engineering | $57,800 | $57,800 | $26,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $54,500 | $54,500 | $27,000 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering | $52,500 | $52,500 | $25,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $49,000 | $49,000 | $24,375 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | $38,400 | $38,400 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General | $21,600 | $21,600 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Potsdam, NY
- Student Body
- 2,196 students
- Admission Rate
- 77%
- Graduation Rate
- 74%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $30,305
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $89,696
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000