Head-to-Head Comparison
Clarkson University vs University of San Francisco
- Clarkson Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 15
- San Francisco Wins
- 19
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Clarkson University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $30,305 vs University of San Francisco's $41,431, 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.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Clarkson
- Lower cost: Average net price of $30,305, roughly $11,126 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 74% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
San Francisco
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment, 0% more than Clarkson University
- Less debt: Median debt of $23,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 62% 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); San Francisco in Business & Marketing (18%). 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 University of San Francisco over Clarkson University. Median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment vs $89,696.
Pick Clarkson University over University of San Francisco. Net price $30,305 vs $41,431.
Pick Clarkson University over University of San Francisco. 3% mobility rate vs 2.7%.
Pick Clarkson University over University of San Francisco. 74% completion rate vs 71%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Clarkson University and University of San Francisco 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
University of San Francisco is the harder admit. It takes 62% of applicants, while Clarkson University takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,304 to 1,295.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of San Francisco 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 $11,126 a year below University of San Francisco's $41,431. Graduates of University of San Francisco also borrow less: median debt of $23,000, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $44,504 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, University of San Francisco graduates report median earnings of $89,812, compared with $89,696 at Clarkson University. That is a 0% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of San Francisco has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 0% 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 71%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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 San Francisco, it is 2.7%. University of San Francisco also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5.6%.
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 Clarkson University to keep costs and debt down; pick University of San Francisco 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. Clarkson University saves about $11,126 a year, yet University of San Francisco graduates earn $116 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
University of San Francisco is harder to get into, with a 62% admit rate, but Clarkson University posts the higher mobility rate, at 3%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Clarkson University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while University of San Francisco leans toward Health Professions, Psychology. 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 $41,431 runs well above Clarkson University's $30,305.
- Engineering-focused students: Clarkson University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of San Francisco's enrollment of 5,287 far exceeds Clarkson University's 2,196.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
San Francisco 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) 6 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
Research (Times HE) 4 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 San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Private nonprofit
Students at the University of San Francisco can expect to earn an average of $89,812 within ten years of graduation. This strong earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. With an acceptance rate of 62%, the university maintains a balance of accessibility and selectivity.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for this institution, but the outcomes for graduates suggest a solid return on investment. The graduation rate stands at 71%, indicating that a significant majority of students complete their degrees. This completion rate, combined with the potential earnings, points to a pathway for upward mobility.
Tuition at the University of San Francisco has a net price of $41,431, which is a notable consideration for prospective students. Graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. Students who thrive here often pursue programs in Business, Health Professions, and Social Sciences, aligning their education with market demand and job opportunities.
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 San Francisco leads with Business Administration (18%).
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 San Francisco).
The two schools feed different job markets. Clarkson University is strongest in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, while University of San Francisco concentrates in Health Professions, Psychology, 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 San Francisco?
University of San Francisco is harder to get into, admitting 62% of applicants compared with 77% at Clarkson University.
Which is more affordable, Clarkson University or University of San Francisco?
Clarkson University is more affordable, with an average net price of $30,305 after aid versus $41,431 at University of San Francisco.
Do Clarkson University or University of San Francisco graduates earn more?
University of San Francisco graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment, versus $89,696 at Clarkson University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Clarkson University or University of San Francisco?
Clarkson University has the higher graduation rate, 74% versus 71%.
Clarkson University vs University of San Francisco: which is better for social mobility?
Clarkson University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3% versus 2.7%.
Should you choose Clarkson University or University of San Francisco?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Clarkson University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of San Francisco 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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