Head-to-Head Comparison
Clarkson University vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Clarkson University
Potsdam, NY
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL
- Clarkson Wins
- 22
- Tied
- 9
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Clarkson University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $30,305 vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272, Clarkson University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. 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.
45 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Clarkson
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $89,696 ten years after enrollment, 7% more than Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
- Lower cost: Average net price of $30,305, roughly $10,967 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 74% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
- Less debt: Median debt of $23,666, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 65% 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); Embry-Riddle Aeronautical in Transportation (41%). 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 Clarkson University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Median earnings of $89,696 ten years after enrollment vs $84,131.
Pick Clarkson University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Net price $30,305 vs $41,272.
Pick Clarkson University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. 74% completion rate vs 67%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Clarkson University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach are close on paper, but Clarkson University wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach is the harder admit. It takes 65% of applicants, while Clarkson University takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,304 to 1,257.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach 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 $10,967 a year below Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272. Graduates of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach also borrow less: median debt of $23,666, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $43,868 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, Clarkson University graduates report median earnings of $89,696, compared with $84,131 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. That is a 7% advantage. Set against borrowing, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 7% 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
Clarkson University graduates a larger share of its students, 74% versus 67%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Clarkson University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Clarkson University concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach leans toward Transportation. 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 $41,272 runs well above Clarkson University's $30,305.
- Business and consulting-track students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has less business program depth, and Clarkson University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's enrollment of 7,860 far exceeds Clarkson University's 2,196.
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.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL · Private nonprofit
Students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach can expect to earn an average of $84,131 within ten years of graduation. This strong earning potential makes it a compelling choice for those looking to invest in their future.
The Opportunity Insights data isn't available for Embry-Riddle, but the statistics on graduation and job placement suggest that students have a solid chance of finding success post-graduation. With a graduation rate of 67%, students are likely to complete their degrees and enter the workforce equipped with skills that are in demand.
The net price to attend is $41,272, with a median debt of $23,666. This balance is manageable considering the earning potential graduates enjoy. Students who thrive here are typically those drawn to aviation, engineering, and technical fields, seeking hands-on experience and a pathway to a stable career.
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 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical leads with Supply Chain Management (41%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Clarkson) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical).
The two schools feed different job markets. Clarkson University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach concentrates in Transportation, Criminal Justice. 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 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach is harder to get into, admitting 65% of applicants compared with 77% at Clarkson University.
Which is more affordable, Clarkson University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
Clarkson University is more affordable, with an average net price of $30,305 after aid versus $41,272 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Do Clarkson University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates earn more?
Clarkson University graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,696 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,131 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Which has a better graduation rate, Clarkson University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
Clarkson University has the higher graduation rate, 74% versus 67%.
Should you choose Clarkson University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Clarkson University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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