At $15,928/yr net price, Clarkson College graduates earn $64,876/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,876/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,928 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $63,712 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,876/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,876/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,716 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,568/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,962/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,150/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,637/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,462/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $112,437 | $51,366 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $98,670 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $94,408 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $67,660 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,169 | $27,125 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $51,035 | $25,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $40,697 | $19,500 |
The Risk Factor
75.0% of students at Clarkson College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Clarkson College delivers strong financial returns for nursing students but weaker outcomes for other majors. The school's specialized focus on healthcare creates a clear divide between high-earning nursing graduates and students in other programs.
Nursing majors earn between $60,169 and $112,437 annually, making this program financially compelling despite higher debt loads of $27,125 to $51,366. The top-earning nursing track generates returns that easily justify the investment. Liberal Arts graduates earn $94,408, which is surprisingly strong for a generalist degree at a healthcare-focused institution.
Health Administration graduates face a concerning gap between cost and return, earning just $67,660 annually. This creates a questionable value proposition given the school's $15,928 net price and median debt of $23,716.
Your biggest financial risk is choosing the wrong program. Nursing students benefit from Omaha's strong healthcare job market and established clinical partnerships, while non-nursing majors may struggle to justify the private college premium for degrees available elsewhere at lower cost.
Only 30% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based assistance. The 76.92% retention rate indicates some students transfer out, possibly due to academic rigor or cost concerns.
You should choose Clarkson if you're committed to nursing and can handle the debt load that comes with the highest-earning tracks. Look elsewhere if you want non-healthcare majors, need substantial financial aid, or prefer a broader range of career paths. The school works best for focused pre-professional students who value small class sizes and direct healthcare industry connections over cost savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clarkson College worth the cost for nursing students?
Yes, Clarkson College nursing graduates earn $98,670-$112,437 annually, well above the school's average of $64,876. The $23,716 median debt is manageable given nursing salaries.
What is Clarkson College's return on investment compared to other schools?
Clarkson College graduates earn $64,876 after 10 years with relatively low debt of $23,716. The ROI is solid for nursing programs but weaker for liberal arts graduates who earn $60,169.
Does Clarkson College provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
The net price of $15,928 per year suggests decent financial aid, though this varies by family income. The 75% graduation rate indicates most students complete their programs.
Which Clarkson College programs have the best job prospects and pay?
Nursing administration and clinical nursing programs offer the highest returns at $98,670-$112,437 annually. Health administration graduates earn $67,660, while liberal arts majors earn significantly less at $60,169.