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Clarkson University vs Washington University in St Louis

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

13
Clarkson Wins
9
Tied / N/A
24
Washington Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Suburban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Plains
2,196
Enrollment
7,857
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

77%
Acceptance Rate
12%
1304
SAT Average
1530
29
ACT Midpoint
34
1200-1390
SAT Range
1500-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$59,398
In-State Tuition
$65,790
$59,398
Out-of-State Tuition
$65,790
$30,305
Average Net Price
$21,786
$21,335
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,716
$19,934
Net Price ($30-48K)
$1,928
$23,321
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,578
$35,757
Net Price ($110K+)
$42,170
22%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
62%
Federal Loan Rate
12%

Academics

74%
Graduation Rate
94%
85%
Retention Rate
95%
78%
Full-Time Faculty
73%
$11,357
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,945
15%
First-Gen Students
11%

Student Body

30%
Female
53%
74%
White
40%
13%
Hispanic
13%
3%
Black
9%
2%
Asian
21%
0.43
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$76,970
Earnings (6yr)
$78,073
$78,777
Earnings (8yr)
$81,347
$89,696
Earnings (10yr)
$86,182
$26,000
Median Debt
$17,500
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
86%
Earning Above HS
84%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

296.70%
Mobility Rate
103.72%
5299.4%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5350.8%
559.9%
From Bottom 20%
193.8%
$94,600
Parent Median Income
$180,200

Social Capital

1.70
Economic Connectedness
1.83
-0.03
Friending Bias
0.00
5.3%
Volunteering Rate
11.1%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#38
N/A
Teaching Score
58.9
N/A
Research Score
63
N/A
Citations Score
88.6

The Overviews

Clarkson University

Potsdam, NY · Private nonprofit

77% accept 74% grad $89,696 earnings $30,305 net

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.

Washington University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit

12% accept 94% grad $86,182 earnings $21,786 net

With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Washington University in St. Louis attracts driven students looking for a rigorous academic environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like engineering, biology, social sciences, computer science, and business. The graduation rate of 94% reflects a supportive community that helps students succeed and achieve their goals.

Life after graduation looks promising, with alumni reporting an average earnings of $86,182 ten years out. This figure highlights the potential for financial stability in a variety of career paths. While nearly 18% of students receive Pell Grants, the school’s commitment to affordability helps ensure that students from different economic backgrounds can thrive.

On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,786, and the median debt for graduates is $17,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students here often leave school with a solid foundation for their financial futures. Those who tend to thrive are often self-motivated and eager to engage deeply with their studies and the campus community.

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