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 gives you a solid financial return if you go into nursing, which is the point of the place. You pay under $16,000 a year net, graduate with about $24,000 in median debt, and land median earnings near $65,000 a decade out. Those numbers line up cleanly. Omaha is a hospital town, with major health systems hiring locally, so the nursing degree you earn here connects directly to jobs nearby.
The nursing bachelor's is the reason to come. It pays about $9,000 a year more than the allied health bachelor's, and both carry similar debt loads around $25,000. If you're set on allied health, know that you're paying nearly the same to borrow for a program that returns less. Neither is a bad bet, but nursing is the stronger one.
The main risk here is fit. This is a health-professions school, so your return depends on finishing a clinical program and passing licensure. The 75% graduation rate and 77% retention are decent but not airtight, meaning one in four of you won't finish. If you drop out with debt and no credential, the math turns against you fast. Go elsewhere if you're unsure you want a health career.
The net price tiers are odd. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $13,600, and if you earn over $110,000 you pay roughly $18,500. But families in the $30,000 to $75,000 range pay the most, around $20,000. If you're in that middle band, budget carefully and check your aid package closely, because you're carrying the heaviest cost at this school.
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.