Head-to-Head Comparison
Clarkson University vs University of Maryland-College Park
- Clarkson Wins
- 9
- Tied
- 12
- Maryland-College Park Wins
- 27
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Maryland-College Park offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $15,678 vs Clarkson University's $30,305, University of Maryland-College Park delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Maryland-College Park's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 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, 8% more than University of Maryland-College Park
Maryland-College Park
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,678, roughly $14,627 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 45% 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); Maryland-College Park in Computer Science & IT (25%). 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 University of Maryland-College Park. Median earnings of $89,696 ten years after enrollment vs $82,860.
Pick University of Maryland-College Park over Clarkson University. Net price $15,678 vs $30,305.
Pick University of Maryland-College Park over Clarkson University. 89% completion rate vs 74%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Clarkson University and University of Maryland-College Park are close on paper, but University of Maryland-College Park 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
University of Maryland-College Park is the harder admit. It takes 45% of applicants, while Clarkson University takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,304 to 1,473.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Maryland-College Park 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, University of Maryland-College Park comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,678, about $14,627 a year below Clarkson University's $30,305. Graduates of University of Maryland-College Park also borrow less: median debt of $19,000, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $58,508 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Maryland-College Park 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 $82,860 at University of Maryland-College Park. That is a 8% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Maryland-College Park has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 8% 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
University of Maryland-College Park graduates a larger share of its students, 89% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Maryland-College Park to keep costs and debt down; pick Clarkson University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Maryland-College Park saves about $14,627 a year, yet Clarkson University graduates earn $6,836 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Clarkson University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while University of Maryland-College Park leans toward Computer Science & IT, Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $30,305 runs well above University of Maryland-College Park's $15,678.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $19,000 at University of Maryland-College Park.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Clarkson University's enrollment, and University of Maryland-College Park is stronger here.
- Engineering-focused students: Clarkson University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Maryland-College Park's enrollment of 30,760 far exceeds Clarkson University's 2,196.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Maryland-College Park 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) 4 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.
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD · Public
With nearly 31,000 students, the University of Maryland-College Park is a vibrant choice for those interested in fields like Computer Science and IT, Business and Marketing, and Engineering. The school’s acceptance rate is 45%, meaning it’s competitive but still accessible for many. What stands out here is the impressive 89% graduation rate, indicating that students who enroll are likely to see their academic journeys through to completion.
After graduation, students can expect solid earnings, with a 10-year post-degree salary averaging $82,860. This figure is particularly important when considering the long-term return on investment for education. The affordability of the school plays a big role in this, as the net price after aid is around $15,678. This allows for a manageable financial situation, especially when considering that only 19% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting that many students are coming from a range of economic backgrounds.
In terms of financial outlook, graduates leave with a median debt of $19,000, which is quite reasonable compared to potential earnings. This balance is crucial for those who want to thrive after college without being weighed down by excessive debt. Students who tend to succeed here are often those who take advantage of internships and career services, engaging actively with the community and resources available to them. Overall, Maryland-College Park supports students through a solid combination of academic rigor and financial feasibility.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Maryland-College Park is featured on the Best Bachelor's Programs in Maryland ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Clarkson's top program is Mechanical Engineering (54% of enrollment), while Maryland-College Park leads with Computer Science (25%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Clarkson) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Maryland-College Park).
The two schools feed different job markets. Clarkson University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, while University of Maryland-College Park concentrates in Social 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 University of Maryland-College Park?
University of Maryland-College Park is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 77% at Clarkson University.
Which is more affordable, Clarkson University or University of Maryland-College Park?
University of Maryland-College Park is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,678 after aid versus $30,305 at Clarkson University.
Do Clarkson University or University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn more?
Clarkson University graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,696 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,860 at University of Maryland-College Park.
Which has a better graduation rate, Clarkson University or University of Maryland-College Park?
University of Maryland-College Park has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 74%.
Should you choose Clarkson University or University of Maryland-College Park?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Maryland-College Park if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Clarkson 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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