Analysis
Clarkson's mechanical engineering program punches above its weight for a school with a 77% admission rate. Starting salaries of $73,168 beat both the national median ($70,744) and New York's state median ($68,407), placing graduates in the 60th percentile among NY engineering programs—respectable company when Cornell leads the pack at $85,440 but only $1,300 behind elite Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
The financial equation looks particularly attractive. With just $27,000 in median debt—barely above the national median despite being a private institution—graduates face a debt burden of only 37% of their first-year salary. That's notably better than most private engineering schools, where debt often exceeds $35,000. By year four, earnings climb to $80,586, giving graduates increasing financial flexibility as their careers progress. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) confirms this isn't a statistical fluke.
For parents weighing options, Clarkson delivers solid engineering outcomes without the financial strain typical of many private technical schools. Your child won't match Cornell-level earnings, but they'll enter the workforce with manageable debt and salary that outpaces most New York engineering programs. That combination—strong starting pay with relatively low borrowing—is exactly what makes a technical degree worthwhile.
Where Clarkson University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Clarkson University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarkson University | $73,168 | $80,586 | +10% |
| SUNY Maritime College | $77,895 | $99,578 | +28% |
| Cornell University | $85,440 | $97,093 | +14% |
| New York Institute of Technology | $56,254 | $92,781 | +65% |
| Syracuse University | $66,789 | $90,527 | +36% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Clarkson UniversityPotsdam | $57,950 | $73,168 | $80,586 | $27,000 | 0.37 |
 Cornell UniversityIthaca | $66,014 | $85,440 | $97,093 | $15,500 | 0.18 |
 SUNY Maritime CollegeThroggs Neck | $8,540 | $77,895 | $99,578 | $26,000 | 0.33 |
 Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester | $57,016 | $76,263 | $83,505 | $27,000 | 0.35 |
 Vaughn College of Aeronautics and TechnologyFlushing | $28,850 | $74,472 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
 Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteTroy | $61,884 | $73,833 | $84,101 | $25,000 | 0.34 |
| National Median | — | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Fuel Cell Engineers
Automotive Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Clarkson University, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 244 graduates with reported earnings and 272 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.