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Colleges / NY / Potsdam
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Clarkson University

Private nonprofit Potsdam, NY · Town · Mid-Atlantic · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
74%
Graduation Rate
$89,696
Earnings (10yr)
$30,305
Net Price
77%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of 77%, Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, is a solid choice for students seeking a blend of academic rigor and community feel. It's particularly suitable for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business and Marketing, Biology, Computer Science, and Psychology. The hands-on learning and collaborative environment stand out, making it easier for students to connect their studies to real-world applications.

Looking at what comes after graduation, the average earnings ten years out is $89,696. This figure is telling; it suggests that graduates from Clarkson tend to find good job opportunities that lead to solid financial stability. While the median debt is $26,000, the affordability of education here can help mitigate the long-term financial burden for many students.

When we talk about the practical side of attending Clarkson, the net price after aid hovers around $30,305. This cost is manageable compared to what many private institutions charge, especially when considering the potential return on investment. Students who thrive here are typically those who are proactive, engaged, and eager to apply their learning in real-world contexts. The supportive campus community also plays a role in helping students succeed.

Rankings

How Clarkson Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation74%Earnings 10yr$90KNet Price$30KRetention85%Median Debt$26KPell Grant Rate22%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$21K$0-30K$20K$30-48K$23K$48-75K$36K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%559.9%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%5299.4%MOBILITY296.70%

Cost & Financial Aid

$59,398
In-State Tuition
$59,398
Out-of-State
$30,305
Avg Net Price
$26,000
Median Debt
22%
Pell Grant Rate
62%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$21,335
Family Income $0–$30K
$19,934
Family Income $30K–$48K
$23,321
Family Income $48K–$75K
$35,757
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$76,970
6 Years After Entry
$78,777
8 Years
$89,696
10 Years
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
86%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$76,970 6yr $78,777 8yr $89,696 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

296.70%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
5299.4%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
559.9%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$94,600
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.70
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.03
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
5.3%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

3.885%
Inventor Rate
274
Total Patents
226
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 77%
Retention Rate 85%
SAT Average 1304
ACT Midpoint 29
SAT Range 1200–1390
ACT Range 25–32
Full-Time Faculty 78%
Faculty Salary (mo) $11,357
Diversity Index 0.43
First-Gen Students 15%

Top Programs

Engineering 52%
Business & Marketing 9%
Biology & Biomedical 8%
Computer Science & IT 5%
Psychology 3%
Communications 2%
Physical Sciences 2%
Mathematics & Statistics 2%