Head-to-Head Comparison
Clarkson University vs Fordham University
- Clarkson Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 5
- Fordham Wins
- 24
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Clarkson University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Fordham University achieves a higher graduation rate (81% vs 74%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $44,338 compared to Clarkson University's $30,305. 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, 5% more than Fordham University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $30,305, roughly $14,033 a year less
Fordham
- Higher grad rate: 81% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $24,300, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 59% 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); Fordham in Business & Marketing (19%). 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 Fordham University. Median earnings of $89,696 ten years after enrollment vs $85,569.
Pick Clarkson University over Fordham University. Net price $30,305 vs $44,338.
Pick Fordham University over Clarkson University. 4% mobility rate vs 3%.
Pick Fordham University over Clarkson University. 81% completion rate vs 74%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Clarkson University and Fordham University are close on paper, but Fordham 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
Fordham University is the harder admit. It takes 59% of applicants, while Clarkson University takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,304 to 1,418.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Fordham 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 $14,033 a year below Fordham University's $44,338. Graduates of Fordham University also borrow less: median debt of $24,300, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $56,132 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 $85,569 at Fordham University. That is a 5% advantage. Set against borrowing, Fordham University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 5% 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
Fordham University graduates a larger share of its students, 81% versus 74%. 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.
Moving people up
Fordham University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4%; at Clarkson University, it is 3%. Fordham University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Fordham 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 Fordham University if upward mobility and access matter most.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Clarkson University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while Fordham University leans toward Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics. 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 $44,338 runs well above Clarkson University's $30,305.
- Engineering-focused students: Clarkson University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Fordham University's enrollment of 10,512 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.
Fordham University
Bronx, NY · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of over 10,500 students, Fordham University in the Bronx, NY, caters to those who are serious about their education and looking for a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 59% suggests that while it's competitive, many students have the chance to join a community that values diverse perspectives. Popular areas of study include Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Psychology, and Communications, making it an attractive choice for students pursuing both practical and theoretical knowledge.
After graduation, alumni can expect to earn an average of $85,569 within ten years, which reflects the solid grounding they receive in their respective fields. While the details on mobility and economic connectedness aren’t available, it’s clear that a Fordham degree can open doors for many students. The affordability aspect is also worth noting, as it allows for a good return on investment, especially when considering the earnings potential.
The net price after aid stands at $44,338, and with a median debt of $24,300, many graduates find themselves in a manageable financial situation as they start their careers. Students who thrive here tend to be those who actively engage with the community, seek out internships, and take advantage of networking opportunities. Fordham’s supportive environment encourages personal and professional growth, making it a solid choice for those ready to invest in their future.
Rankings They Appear On
Clarkson University and Fordham University appear together in 3 rankings. On the Best Online Colleges in New York, Clarkson University ranks #22 — Clarkson University outranks Fordham University by 1 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Clarkson's top program is Mechanical Engineering (54% of enrollment), while Fordham leads with Business Administration (19%).
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 Fordham).
The two schools feed different job markets. Clarkson University is strongest in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, while Fordham University concentrates in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Communications. 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 Fordham University?
Fordham University is harder to get into, admitting 59% of applicants compared with 77% at Clarkson University.
Which is more affordable, Clarkson University or Fordham University?
Clarkson University is more affordable, with an average net price of $30,305 after aid versus $44,338 at Fordham University.
Do Clarkson University or Fordham University graduates earn more?
Clarkson University graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,696 ten years after enrollment, versus $85,569 at Fordham University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Clarkson University or Fordham University?
Fordham University has the higher graduation rate, 81% versus 74%.
Clarkson University vs Fordham University: which is better for social mobility?
Fordham University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4% versus 3%.
Should you choose Clarkson University or Fordham University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Clarkson University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Fordham University if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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