Head-to-head · 2026
Clarkson College vs Mid-Plains Community College
Compare average net price ($19,241 at Clarkson College; $5,235 at Mid-Plains Community College), ROI score (8.43 vs 19.13), ten-year median earnings ($64,876 vs $40,059), and admissions context (78.2% at Clarkson College; Open / not reported at Mid-Plains Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Mid-Plains Community College has a 4-1 metric-level edge. Mid-Plains Community 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 | Mid-Plains Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.43 | 19.13 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $19,241 | $5,235 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $64,876 ✓ | $40,059 |
| Acceptance rate | 78.2% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 46.7% | 53.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $23,716 | $9,995 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 622 | 937 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Clarkson College costs $14,006 more per year than Mid-Plains Community College ($19,241 vs $5,235). Clarkson College graduates report $24,817 higher median earnings after ten years ($64,876 vs $40,059). On EduGradify's model that puts Mid-Plains Community College ahead on projected ROI (19.13 vs 8.43, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Mid-Plains Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Clarkson College reports 78.2% acceptance; Mid-Plains Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Clarkson College vs Mid-Plains Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Clarkson College or Mid-Plains Community College the better value?
Mid-Plains Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (19.13 vs 8.43), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Mid-Plains Community College is cheaper — average net price $5,235 per year vs $19,241 at Clarkson College. The annual difference of $14,006 adds up to about $56,024 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Clarkson College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $64,876 vs $40,059 at Mid-Plains Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $24,817.
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; Mid-Plains Community College reports A+.