At $31,955/yr net price, Clarkson University graduates earn $89,696/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $55,696/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $31,955 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $127,820 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $89,696/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$55,696/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 73.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,521/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,328/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,800/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,329/yr |
| $110,001+ | $36,429/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Master | $110,878 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $107,376 | $155,093 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $95,295 | $14,100 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $82,440 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $78,074 | $25,615 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $77,715 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $71,575 | $42,610 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,009 | $26,094 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,858 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
73.6% of students at Clarkson University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 26% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Clarkson University delivers strong financial returns that justify its $31,955 annual cost, with graduates earning a median $89,696 after ten years. This puts most graduates in solid financial territory despite the private school price tag.
The engineering programs at Clarkson perform strongly well in the job market. Engineering-related fields graduates earn $95,295 while carrying just $14,100 in debt, making this one of the best risk-adjusted returns you'll find. Electrical engineering graduates earn $82,440, though specific debt data isn't available for this program. Computer science graduates earn $78,074 with manageable $25,615 debt levels.
Allied health programs present a concerning financial picture. While graduates earn $107,376, they carry crushing $155,093 debt loads that will severely impact your financial flexibility for years. Unless you have significant family financial support, avoid these programs at Clarkson.
The 73.6% graduation rate means roughly one in four students never finish their degree, wasting years and money. Your academic preparation matters significantly here. The remote Potsdam location limits internship and part-time work opportunities during college, making degree completion more financially critical.
Only 20% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting Clarkson expects families to pay most costs out of pocket. Merit scholarships become important for making the numbers work. If you can't secure significant merit aid and engineering isn't your target field, consider less expensive alternatives. For engineering-focused students who can graduate on time, Clarkson's industry connections in the Northeast make the investment worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clarkson University worth the cost?
Clarkson graduates earn $89,696 ten years after graduation, which is solid but not exceptional given the $31,955 annual net price. The return on investment depends heavily on your major, with engineering and health programs significantly outperforming computer science and other fields.
What are the highest paying majors at Clarkson University?
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies leads at $110,878, followed by Allied Health programs at $107,376. Engineering-related fields earn $95,295, while computer science graduates earn notably less at $78,074 despite the field's general market strength.
How much debt do Clarkson University graduates have?
Median debt is $26,000, which is manageable compared to the $89,696 average earnings. However, students in lower-paying programs like computer science may struggle more with loan payments relative to their starting salaries.
Does Clarkson University have good job placement after graduation?
The 73.6% graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish, which affects overall ROI. Those who do graduate generally find employment, but earnings vary dramatically by program from $78,000 to over $110,000.