POTSDAM -- Clarkson University is one of only 150 colleges and universities out of 3,500 nationwide worth what it costs, according to a former U.S. Secretary of Education.

William Bennett, who served as U.S. Secretary of Education under President Ronald Reagan, recently released a book titled Is College Worth It, based on the 2012 PayScale list of College Education Value Rankings.

Bennett’s analysis indicates Clarkson is one of 150 colleges and universities that were worth what it costs, based on salary of graduates.

By that one measure of the value of a college degree, Clarkson ranks among the top 50 on the PayScale 2013 list for “return on investment.” PayScale calculated the ranking by estimating the income a Clarkson graduate might expect to earn after 30 years minus the cost of attendance and the amount that graduate might have made with only a high school degree.

PayScale figured that Clarkson graduates that received no financial aid would, on average, see a $1.1 million “return on investment” over a 30-year period, while a student receiving financial aid would see a $1.2 million return.

Clarkson has consistently risen in the PayScale rankings and last September was named by ABC News among 12 schools with higher starting salaries than new Harvard graduates.

“The PayScale ranking and Dr. Bennett’s book are proof of Clarkson’s determination to prepare its students with a world-class education and the necessary skills to launch careers in the global marketplace,” said Clarkson President Tony Collins. “We are proud to be recognized for granting degrees that lead to remarkably successful careers with benefits that will last a lifetime.”