Colgate University vs Clarkson University: which has better ROI?
Clarkson University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $121,220 in 2.9 years versus 3.1 years at Colgate University, on median earnings of $89,696 vs $85,139 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Colgate University | Clarkson University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $28,786 | $30,305 |
| Total net cost | $115,144 | $121,220 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $85,139 | $89,696 |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $26,000 |
| Payback | 3.1 yrs | 2.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $620,436 | $705,500 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Colgate University or Clarkson University?
Colgate University, at $28,786 a year after aid versus $30,305 — a gap of $1,519 a year, or $6,076 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Colgate University or Clarkson University graduates earn more?
Clarkson University graduates report a median $89,696 ten years after entry, $4,557 more than the $85,139 at Colgate University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Colgate University or Clarkson University?
Colgate University: its completers carry a median $15,000 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Clarkson University, a difference of $11,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
91% of students finish at Colgate University, against 75% at Clarkson University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.