Potsdam, NY · Private University
Is Clarkson University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$89,696
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$57,950
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$57,950
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$231,800
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.55x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.2 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
73.6%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$26,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$31,955
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Clarkson University graduates earn $44,696 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Clarkson University ranked by graduate earnings
41 graduates
37 graduates
70 graduates
67 graduates
24 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Clarkson University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Clarkson University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $104,005) and the lowest (Communication and Media Studies: $41,482) is $62,523/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $104,005 | 1.8x |
| Computer Engineering | $101,946 | 1.8x |
| Chemical Engineering | $87,851 | 1.5x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $86,330 | 1.5x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $81,660 | 1.4x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $80,586 | 1.4x |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | $78,376 | 1.4x |
| Engineering-Related Fields | $77,869 | 1.3x |
| Civil Engineering | $76,578 | 1.3x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $76,141 | 1.3x |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering | $69,695 | 1.2x |
| Biology, General | $63,850 | 1.1x |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | $52,566 | 0.9x |
| Communication and Media StudiesLowest | $41,482 | 0.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarkson University | 1.55x | $89,696 | Good ROI |
| Manhattan University | 1.70x | $86,316 | Good ROI |
| Bryant University | 1.76x | $90,008 | Good ROI |
| Loyola University Maryland | 1.49x | $82,652 | Average ROI |
| Salve Regina University | 1.52x | $72,975 | Good ROI |
| University of Scranton | 1.43x | $74,652 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Clarkson University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $89,696 10 years after starting, $44,696 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.2 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.