Head-to-Head Comparison
Clarkson University vs College of the Holy Cross
- Clarkson Wins
- 15
- Tied
- 8
- Holy Cross Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Clarkson University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While College of the Holy Cross achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 74%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $38,782 compared to Clarkson University's $30,305. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Clarkson University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
45 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Clarkson
- Lower cost: Average net price of $30,305, roughly $8,477 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $26,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Holy Cross
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,543 ten years after enrollment, 1% more than Clarkson University
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 18% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Clarkson graduates concentrate in Engineering (54% of degrees); Holy Cross in Social Sciences (33%). 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 College of the Holy Cross over Clarkson University. Median earnings of $90,543 ten years after enrollment vs $89,696.
Pick Clarkson University over College of the Holy Cross. Net price $30,305 vs $38,782.
Pick Clarkson University over College of the Holy Cross. 3% mobility rate vs 1%.
Pick College of the Holy Cross 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
Clarkson University and College of the Holy Cross split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
College of the Holy Cross is the harder admit. It takes 18% of applicants, while Clarkson University takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,304 to 1,353.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, College of the Holy Cross 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 $8,477 a year below College of the Holy Cross's $38,782. Graduates of Clarkson University also borrow less: median debt of $26,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $33,908 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, College of the Holy Cross graduates report median earnings of $90,543, compared with $89,696 at Clarkson University. That is a 1% advantage. Set against borrowing, Clarkson University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.29x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 1% 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
College of the Holy Cross 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 14% 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 College of the Holy Cross, it is 1%. Clarkson University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.1%.
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 College of the Holy Cross 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 $8,477 a year, yet College of the Holy Cross graduates earn $847 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
College of the Holy Cross is harder to get into, with a 18% 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. Clarkson University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Business & Marketing, while College of the Holy Cross leans toward Social Sciences, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Clarkson competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $38,782 runs well above Clarkson University's $30,305.
- Engineering-focused students: Clarkson University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: College of the Holy Cross has less business program depth, and Clarkson University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 1 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
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.
College of the Holy Cross
Worcester, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 18%, the College of the Holy Cross attracts students who are not only academically driven but also eager for a transformative educational experience. Here, students dive into programs like Social Sciences, Psychology, and Biology, among others. This school is particularly appealing for those who appreciate a liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking and personal growth.
Looking at life after graduation, Holy Cross graduates see impressive earnings, averaging around $90,543 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This financial trajectory speaks volumes about the school’s ability to prepare students for successful careers. It’s worth noting that the high graduation rate of 88% indicates that most students stay on track to complete their degrees, which can significantly affect future earning potential.
When it comes to the cost of attending, the net price stands at $38,782 after financial aid, while the median debt for graduates is $27,000. This can be manageable for many, especially considering the strong earning potential post-graduation. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are motivated, engaged, and ready to take full advantage of the resources and community at Holy Cross.
Rankings They Appear On
Clarkson University is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in New York ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Clarkson's top program is Mechanical Engineering (54% of enrollment), while Holy Cross leads with Sociology (33%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Clarkson) and Environmental Scientist, Research Scientist, Chemist (for Holy Cross).
The two schools feed different job markets. Clarkson University is strongest in Engineering, Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, while College of the Holy Cross concentrates in Social Sciences, Psychology, Physical Sciences. 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 Clarkson University or College of the Holy Cross?
College of the Holy Cross is harder to get into, admitting 18% of applicants compared with 77% at Clarkson University.
Which is more affordable, Clarkson University or College of the Holy Cross?
Clarkson University is more affordable, with an average net price of $30,305 after aid versus $38,782 at College of the Holy Cross.
Do Clarkson University or College of the Holy Cross graduates earn more?
College of the Holy Cross graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,543 ten years after enrollment, versus $89,696 at Clarkson University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Clarkson University or College of the Holy Cross?
College of the Holy Cross has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 74%.
Clarkson University vs College of the Holy Cross: which is better for social mobility?
Clarkson University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3% versus 1%.
Should you choose Clarkson University or College of the Holy Cross?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Clarkson University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose College of the Holy Cross 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Clarkson and Holy Cross stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
