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Return on Investment Analysis

Clarkson University ROI Analysis

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Clarkson University costs about $231,800 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $76,970 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 5.5 years (20-year ROI: 262%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$231,800

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$41,970/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

5.5 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

262%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

Clarkson University's high tuition of $57,950 is offset by strong early career earnings. One year after graduation, alumni earn $72,875, exceeding the tuition cost. Five years post-graduation, earnings rise to $76,970, and after ten years, alumni earn $89,696. The median student debt is $26,000, and 65.4% of students receive financial aid.

The debt-to-income ratio is favorable. With a median debt of $26,000 and an average starting salary of $72,875, the debt is manageable. The break-even point, or the time it takes to earn back the tuition cost, is less than one year.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$57,950

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,000

Median Earnings (5yr)

$76,970

Graduation Rate

73%

Receive Financial Aid

65%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Mechanical Engineering $231,800 $89,205 368%
Engineering-Related Fields $231,800 $123,559 664%
Business Administration, Management and Operations $231,800 $91,227 385%
Civil Engineering $231,800 $76,578 259%
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $231,800 $86,330 343%
Chemical Engineering $231,800 $87,851 356%
Health and Medical Administrative Services $231,800 $80,883 296%
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $231,800 $75,140 246%
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $231,800 $78,376 274%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $231,800 $57,364 93%
Biology, General $231,800 $63,850 149%
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $231,800 $123,883 667%
Business/Commerce, General $231,800 $0 N/A
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering $231,800 $69,695 199%
Accounting and Related Services $231,800 $81,660 303%
Information Science/Studies $231,800 $0 N/A
Computer Engineering $231,800 $101,946 478%
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations $231,800 $52,566 52%
Communication and Media Studies $231,800 $41,482 -44%

Peer Comparison

Clarkson University Current

262%

20yr ROI

Northwestern University

217%

20yr ROI

MCPHS University

443%

20yr ROI

Capitol Technology University

660%

20yr ROI

Washington and Lee University

222%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$231,800
Median Debt$26,000

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$231,800

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Clarkson University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 262%. The total 4-year cost is $231,800 and graduates earn a median of $76,970 within 5 years.

Methodology

ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).

The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.

Back to Clarkson University Colleges in New York Compare Schools ROI Rankings