Head-to-Head Comparison
Clarkson University vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Clarkson Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 11
- Minnesota-Twin Cities Wins
- 25
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $16,778 vs Clarkson University's $30,305, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
47 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, 30% more than University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- More selective: Admits 77% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,778, roughly $13,527 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 85% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Clarkson graduates concentrate in Engineering (54% of degrees); Minnesota-Twin Cities in Biology & Biomedical (12%). 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities. Median earnings of $89,696 ten years after enrollment vs $69,020.
Pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities over Clarkson University. Net price $16,778 vs $30,305.
Pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities over Clarkson University. 85% 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities are close on paper, but University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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
Clarkson University is the harder admit. It takes 77% of applicants, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities takes 80%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,304 to 1,362.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Clarkson 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, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,778, about $13,527 a year below Clarkson University's $30,305. Graduates of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $54,108 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. That is a 30% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 30% 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates a larger share of its students, 85% versus 74%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 11% 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities saves about $13,527 a year, yet Clarkson University graduates earn $20,676 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, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leans toward Computer Science & IT. 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $19,500 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
- Engineering-focused students: Clarkson University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's enrollment of 31,855 far exceeds Clarkson University's 2,196.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Minnesota-Twin Cities 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) 3 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN · Public
With an enrollment of over 31,000 students, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stands out as a vibrant public university where a diverse array of students can thrive. If you're interested in business, biology, computer science, engineering, or psychology, you're likely to find a strong community here. The 80% acceptance rate shows that the university is accessible to many, making it an attractive option for students from various backgrounds seeking to gain a solid education in these fields.
After graduation, students can expect a median earning of around $69,020 within ten years, which is a promising number that speaks to the value of a degree from this university. While the data on mobility rates isn't available, the strong graduation rate of 85% suggests that most students are completing their programs and moving into the workforce with a competitive edge. This financial outlook is further enhanced by the affordability of the education, allowing graduates to step into their careers without overwhelming debt.
Speaking of costs, the net price after financial aid stands at approximately $16,778, which is quite manageable compared to many other institutions. With a median debt of $19,500, students here tend to leave with a reasonable financial burden. The university attracts those who are motivated and ready to invest in their futures, and it seems well-suited for individuals who are driven and eager to engage in a collaborative learning environment.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in Minnesota ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Clarkson's top program is Mechanical Engineering (54% of enrollment), while Minnesota-Twin Cities leads with Biology (12%).
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Clarkson University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Clarkson University is harder to get into, admitting 77% of applicants compared with 80% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which is more affordable, Clarkson University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,778 after aid versus $30,305 at Clarkson University.
Do Clarkson University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn more?
Clarkson University graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,696 ten years after enrollment, versus $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which has a better graduation rate, Clarkson University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has the higher graduation rate, 85% versus 74%.
Should you choose Clarkson University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Clarkson and Minnesota-Twin Cities 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.
