Head-to-head · 2026
Clarkson College vs College of Saint Mary
Compare average net price ($19,241 at Clarkson College; $16,590 at College of Saint Mary), ROI score (8.43 vs 8.19), ten-year median earnings ($64,876 vs $54,338), and admissions selectivity (78.2% acceptance at Clarkson College; 44.7% at College of Saint Mary) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 3-3. Clarkson College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Clarkson College | College of Saint Mary |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.43 ✓ | 8.19 |
| Avg net price | $19,241 | $16,590 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $64,876 ✓ | $54,338 |
| Acceptance rate | 78.2% | 44.7% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 46.7% | 60.5% ✓ |
| Median debt | $23,716 ✓ | $24,250 |
| Enrollment | 622 | 445 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | 1150 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Clarkson College costs $2,651 more per year than College of Saint Mary ($19,241 vs $16,590). Clarkson College graduates report $10,538 higher median earnings after ten years ($64,876 vs $54,338). On EduGradify's model that puts Clarkson College ahead on projected ROI (8.43 vs 8.19, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Clarkson College) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Clarkson College is accessible at 78.2% acceptance versus 44.7% (selective) at College of Saint Mary.
Frequently asked
Clarkson College vs College of Saint Mary, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Clarkson College or College of Saint Mary the better value?
Clarkson College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.43 vs 8.19), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
College of Saint Mary is cheaper — average net price $16,590 per year vs $19,241 at Clarkson College. The annual difference of $2,651 adds up to about $10,604 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Clarkson College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $64,876 vs $54,338 at College of Saint Mary. The annual gap in the federal data is $10,538.
Which school is harder to get into?
College of Saint Mary is more selective at 44.7% acceptance vs 78.2% at Clarkson College.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Clarkson College reports a B value grade; College of Saint Mary reports B.