Stony Brook 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 2.9 years at Stony Brook University, on median earnings of $89,696 vs $74,502 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Stony Brook University | Clarkson University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,784 | $30,305 |
| Total net cost | $75,136 | $121,220 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $74,502 | $89,696 |
| Median debt | $18,228 | $26,000 |
| Payback | 2.9 yrs | 2.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $447,704 | $705,500 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Stony Brook University or Clarkson University?
Stony Brook University, at $18,784 a year after aid versus $30,305 — a gap of $11,521 a year, or $46,084 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Stony Brook University or Clarkson University graduates earn more?
Clarkson University graduates report a median $89,696 ten years after entry, $15,194 more than the $74,502 at Stony Brook 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, Stony Brook University or Clarkson University?
Stony Brook University: its completers carry a median $18,228 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Clarkson University, a difference of $7,772. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
76% of students finish at Stony Brook 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.