Fashion Institute of Technology vs Clarkson University: which has better ROI?
Fashion Institute of Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $38,190 in 2.7 years versus 2.9 years at Clarkson University, on median earnings of $62,696 vs $89,696 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Fashion Institute of Technology | Clarkson University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,095 | $30,305 |
| Total net cost | $38,190 | $121,220 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $62,696 | $89,696 |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $26,000 |
| Payback | 2.7 yrs | 2.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $248,530 | $705,500 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Fashion Institute of Technology or Clarkson University?
Fashion Institute of Technology, at $19,095 a year after aid versus $30,305 — a gap of $11,210 a year, or $83,030 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Fashion Institute of Technology or Clarkson University graduates earn more?
Clarkson University graduates report a median $89,696 ten years after entry, $27,000 more than the $62,696 at Fashion Institute of Technology. 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, Fashion Institute of Technology or Clarkson University?
Fashion Institute of Technology: its completers carry a median $12,000 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Clarkson University, a difference of $14,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
81% of students finish at Fashion Institute of Technology, 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.