Acceptance Rate
77%
Avg. SAT
1390
75th percentile
“Hands-on engineering haven in New York's snowy North Country, where students build rockets and race cars from day one.”
Potsdam, NY
Location
Town
Campus Setting
Clarkson University traces its roots to 1896, when the family of ship captain Thomas S. Clarkson established it in Potsdam, New York, to memorialize his life. This private tech university sits on a 640-acre campus amid the rural St. Lawrence Valley, far from big cities but close to the Adirondacks and Thousand Islands. You'll find a practical, no-nonsense personality here—think labs over lectures, projects over papers—that suits students who love tinkering, solving real-world problems, and thriving in tight-knit groups of about 3,000 undergrads.
Hands-on learners drawn to STEM fields fit right in, especially those who don't mind bundling up for outdoor adventures like skiing or canoeing on the Raquette River. The remote location means fewer urban distractions, which helps focused students but can feel isolating if you crave city energy or mild weather—winters dump over 100 inches of snow, and Syracuse is the nearest major airport, two hours away. High tuition around $55,000 reflects the private status, though aid helps many families.
Photo Gallery
+7
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Clarkson shines in engineering and applied sciences, with standout programs in aeronautics, mechanical engineering, and environmental science where you'll dive into projects like designing CubeSats or competing in solar car races. Classrooms buzz with collaboration; small upper-level seminars follow bigger intro lectures, and the co-op program lets you earn credits and paychecks at firms like Lockheed Martin. Research starts early—undergrads join faculty on grants for things like clean water tech or biomaterials.
The intellectual vibe rewards doers over pure theorists, but popular majors fill up fast, so undeclared students should plan ahead. With class sizes that shrink after year one, you'll know your professors, though the focus on practical skills might leave less room for broad liberal arts exploration compared to larger universities.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
2,296 undergrad • 1,052 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
67%
Black / African American
3%
Hispanic / Latino
6%
Asian
4%
Other / Multi-racial
19%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Potsdam, NY
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life revolves around residence halls grouped into theme communities—think engineering floors, wellness houses, or outdoors clubs—fostering bonds in a school where everyone knows each other. A typical week mixes labs, club meetings (over 200 options), and Golden Knights hockey games, with weekends for bonfires, pond hockey, or trips to Montreal, three hours north. The social scene stays mellow and inclusive, heavy on STEM networking events rather than massive parties.
Potsdam's small-town feel (pop. 15,000) means the campus dominates, but harsh winters keep you indoors more, and off-campus options are limited without a car. That said, the tight community and free ski shuttle to nearby resorts create a resilient, fun vibe for those who embrace the cold.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Liberty League
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$19,602
$30K – $48K
$26,066
$48K – $75K
$28,911
$75K – $110K
$31,663
$110K+
$34,934
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to unlock grants, scholarships, and federal loans.
Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
85%
4 Years Graduation Rate
68%
6 Years Graduation Rate
79%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$89,696
85% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Clarkson University and return in the fall. 68% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 79% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
68%
4-6 years
11%
Non-grad
21%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$54,960
Acceptance
77%
Undergrads
2,296
4-Year Grad Rate
68%
Endowment
$212M
Potsdam, NY 13699
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