Clarkson University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
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 | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | $89,205 | 368% |
| Engineering-Related Fields | $123,559 | 664% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $91,227 | 385% |
| Civil Engineering | $76,578 | 259% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $86,330 | 343% |
| Chemical Engineering | $87,851 | 356% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $80,883 | 296% |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $75,140 | 246% |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | $78,376 | 274% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $57,364 | 93% |
| Biology, General | $63,850 | 149% |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $123,883 | 667% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.