Civil Engineering at Clarkson University

Clarkson's civil engineering graduates start at $70,136—just above the national median but trailing most New York competitors. Within the state, this program sits in the 40th percentile, meaning graduates earn less than typical New York civil engineering majors despite Clarkson's reputation as an engineering-focused institution. For context, SUNY Stony Brook graduates earn slightly more ($71,856) at a fraction of the cost for in-state students, while Cornell and Manhattan grads command $5,000-10,000 premiums right out of the gate.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $27,000, it's manageable and below both state and national medians. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 means your child would owe less than five months' salary—a reasonable burden for an engineering degree. Earnings grow 9% over four years to $76,578, though this steady-but-modest trajectory suggests Clarkson grads aren't accessing the highest-paying civil engineering opportunities in the region.

This is a functional path into civil engineering, but value-conscious New York families should compare carefully against SUNY options or consider whether the $27,000 debt premium over state schools justifies Clarkson's smaller class sizes and alumni network. The program works, but it doesn't outperform in ways that clearly justify private school costs.