Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs Clarkson University
- Bentley Wins
- 25
- Tied
- 10
- Clarkson Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Clarkson University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Bentley University achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 74%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $37,930 compared to Clarkson University's $30,305 for in-state paths. Students who choose Clarkson University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $89,696 at ten years.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Bentley
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, 35% more than Clarkson University
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $25,023, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 45% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Clarkson
- Lower cost: Average net price of $30,305, roughly $7,625 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bentley graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (90% of degrees); Clarkson in Engineering (54%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Bentley University over Clarkson University. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $89,696.
Pick Clarkson University over Bentley University. Net price $30,305 vs $37,930.
Pick Clarkson University over Bentley University. 3% mobility rate vs 2.9%.
Pick Bentley University over Clarkson University. 88% completion rate vs 74%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and Clarkson University are close on paper, but Bentley University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Bentley University is the harder admit. It takes 45% of applicants, while Clarkson University takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,304.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Bentley University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Clarkson University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $30,305, about $7,625 a year below Bentley University's $37,930. Graduates of Bentley University also borrow less: median debt of $25,023, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $30,500 before any change in aid. Choosing Clarkson University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Bentley University graduates report median earnings of $120,959, compared with $89,696 at Clarkson University. That is a 35% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bentley University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 35% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Bentley University graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 74%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 13% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Clarkson University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3%; at Bentley University, it is 2.9%. Clarkson University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.9%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Clarkson University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Clarkson University to keep costs and debt down; pick Bentley University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Clarkson University saves about $7,625 a year, yet Bentley University graduates earn $31,263 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Bentley University is harder to get into, with a 45% admit rate, but Clarkson University posts the higher mobility rate, at 3%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Bentley University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Social Sciences, while Clarkson University leans toward Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $37,930 runs well above Clarkson University's $30,305.
- Engineering-focused students: Clarkson University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Bentley University's enrollment of 4,474 far exceeds Clarkson University's 2,196.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Clarkson University's enrollment, and Bentley University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Bentley offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Clarkson does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Bentley University
Waltham, MA · Private nonprofit
At Bentley University, students who are interested in business, technology, and social sciences will find a supportive environment that encourages growth and collaboration. With an acceptance rate of 45%, this private nonprofit school draws in a diverse group of around 4,474 students. The focus here is on practical skills and real-world applications, making programs in Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Health Professions particularly popular.
When looking ahead to life after graduation, Bentley graduates see impressive financial outcomes. On average, they earn about $120,959 within ten years of completing their degrees. This figure is significant because it reflects the university's strong emphasis on preparing students for successful careers. While 16% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to affordability for those who need it, the overall financial picture remains favorable for graduates.
Considering the practicalities, the net price after aid stands at $37,930, which is manageable relative to the median debt of $25,023. This debt load is reasonable and allows many graduates to thrive in their early careers. Bentley is ideal for motivated individuals who are ready to engage deeply with their studies and the broader community, setting themselves up for success in a competitive job market.
Clarkson University
Potsdam, NY · Private nonprofit
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 They Appear On
Bentley University and Clarkson University appear together in 9 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business, Bentley University ranks #2 — Bentley University outranks Clarkson University by 32 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Bentley's top program is Business Administration (90% of enrollment), while Clarkson leads with Mechanical Engineering (54%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Bentley) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Clarkson).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Social Sciences, Communications, while Clarkson University concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Bentley University or Clarkson University?
Bentley University is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 77% at Clarkson University.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or Clarkson University?
Clarkson University is more affordable, with an average net price of $30,305 after aid versus $37,930 at Bentley University.
Do Bentley University or Clarkson University graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $89,696 at Clarkson University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or Clarkson University?
Bentley University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 74%.
Bentley University vs Clarkson University: which is better for social mobility?
Clarkson University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3% versus 2.9%.
Should you choose Bentley University or Clarkson University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Clarkson University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Bentley University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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