Head-to-Head Comparison
Clarkson University vs University of Portland
- Clarkson Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 10
- Portland Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Portland offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $28,210 vs Clarkson University's $30,305, University of Portland delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Portland'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, 8% more than University of Portland
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 77% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Portland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,210, roughly $2,095 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 80% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,370, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Clarkson graduates concentrate in Engineering (54% of degrees); Portland in Health Professions (29%). 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 Portland. Median earnings of $89,696 ten years after enrollment vs $82,804.
Pick University of Portland over Clarkson University. Net price $28,210 vs $30,305.
Pick Clarkson University over University of Portland. 3% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick University of Portland over Clarkson University. 80% 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 Portland 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
Clarkson University is the harder admit. It takes 77% of applicants, while University of Portland takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,304 to 1,277.
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 Portland comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $28,210, about $2,095 a year below Clarkson University's $30,305. Graduates of University of Portland also borrow less: median debt of $21,370, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $8,380 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Portland 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 $82,804 at University of Portland. That is a 8% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Portland has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x 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 Portland graduates a larger share of its students, 80% versus 74%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 6% 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 University of Portland, it is 0.9%. Clarkson University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.8%.
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 University of Portland to keep costs and debt down; pick Clarkson University 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. University of Portland saves about $2,095 a year, yet Clarkson University graduates earn $6,892 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 Biology & Biomedical, while University of Portland leans toward Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $21,370 at University of Portland.
- Engineering-focused students: Clarkson University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Portland 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 Portland
Portland, OR · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of just under 3,000 students, the University of Portland is a great fit for those seeking a close-knit community while still accessing solid academic programs. Students here often dive into popular fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and Psychology. An acceptance rate of 89% indicates that the university welcomes a diverse range of applicants, making it an appealing option for many.
After graduation, students can expect to earn about $82,804 within ten years, which can be quite encouraging when considering job prospects. This earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. While nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, the supportive environment helps many move up in their careers, even if specific mobility rates aren’t available.
When it comes to the financials, the net price after aid sits at $28,210, which can be manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $21,370, suggesting that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of student loans. Those who thrive here are often proactive, engaged, and looking for a collaborative atmosphere that values both academic and personal growth.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Portland is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Oregon ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Clarkson's top program is Mechanical Engineering (54% of enrollment), while Portland leads with Nursing (BSN) (29%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Clarkson) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Portland).
The two schools feed different job markets. Clarkson University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while University of Portland concentrates in Health Professions. 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 Portland?
Clarkson University is harder to get into, admitting 77% of applicants compared with 89% at University of Portland.
Which is more affordable, Clarkson University or University of Portland?
University of Portland is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,210 after aid versus $30,305 at Clarkson University.
Do Clarkson University or University of Portland graduates earn more?
Clarkson University graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,696 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,804 at University of Portland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Clarkson University or University of Portland?
University of Portland has the higher graduation rate, 80% versus 74%.
Clarkson University vs University of Portland: which is better for social mobility?
Clarkson University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Clarkson University or University of Portland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Portland 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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