Clarkson College vs College of Saint Mary
College of Saint Mary is selective with a 44.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Clarkson College (64.3%). Graduates of Clarkson College earn $11,610 more per year at the 10-year mark ($59,883 vs $48,273). For families earning $48k–$75k, College of Saint Mary is more affordable at $9,729 net price vs $22,708.
Admissions & Outcomes
Clarkson College has a higher yield rate (100.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), College of Saint Mary is more affordable at $8,739 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $24,917 vs $20,400.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. College of Saint Mary enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (37%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Clarkson College
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$60,169
- 2 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions$51,035
College of Saint Mary
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$63,692
- 2 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$36,560
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Clarkson College
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- 3 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- 4 Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- 5 Health and Medical Administrative Services
College of Saint Mary
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- 3 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- 4 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- 5 Human Biology
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Clarkson College
- International studentsN/A
- Tuition (international)$14,496
- Est. total cost/year$21,780
- School typePublic
College of Saint Mary
- International students2%
- Tuition (international)$21,370
- Est. total cost/year$29,370
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
Get a Personalized College Comparison
We're building custom comparison reports with ROI analysis. Be the first to get yours.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Clarkson College or College of Saint Mary?
College of Saint Mary is more selective with a 44.0% acceptance rate, compared to 64.3%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Clarkson College or College of Saint Mary?
Clarkson College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $59,883 compared to $48,273. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Clarkson College or College of Saint Mary?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), College of Saint Mary has a lower net price at $9,729 per year vs $22,708. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Clarkson College vs College of Saint Mary?
College of Saint Mary has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 60.6%, compared to 51.6%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Clarkson College or College of Saint Mary?
College of Saint Mary has a larger international student population at 2% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Clarkson College and College of Saint Mary?
At Clarkson College, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $60,169 within two years. At College of Saint Mary, the top-earning major is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $63,692. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.