Clarkson University
About Clarkson University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Clarkson University is a private research university in Potsdam, New York, in the North Country. It is known for its engineering and business programs, with graduates earning a median salary of nearly $90,000, among the highest in the SUNY region.
Founded
1896
Location
Potsdam, New York
Students
3,248
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
77.4%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
74.9%
Near national average
Tuition
$59,398
Per year
Avg Net Price
$30,305
After financial aid
SAT Average
1304
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$89,696
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
Dec 1
Regular
Jan 15
Clarkson University accepts the majority of applicants at 77.4%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1304/ 1600
ACT Scores
29/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
74.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
84.8%
4-Year Grad
63%
6-Year Grad
76%
Teaching Quality
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
77.7%
$/Student
$16.8K
Class Size
Medium
While 63% finish in 4 years, 84.8% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$59,398
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,252
Books & Supplies
$1,560
Total Cost of Attendance
$79,022
After Financial Aid
$30,305
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$21,335
Receive Grants
21.6%
Take Loans
61.9%
The total cost of attendance runs about $79,022/yr, including $18,252 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $30,305.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Clarkson University fund their education.
While in School
21.6%
Get Grants
Free money
61.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$90,321
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$26,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$276/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $26,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $90K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Clarkson University.
Gender
30.5%
Female
70%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,196
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,052
Graduates
15.3%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.8%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 70% of the student body. 15.3% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
2,196
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Clarkson University fields 12 varsity teams with 406 student athletes, about 18% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III without football
Conference
Upstate
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Lacrosse
Student Athletes
406
18% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
60% / 40%
242
Men
164
Women
10
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Clarkson Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$89,696
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Mechanical Engineering
$73K
155 grads
1yr Earnings
Civil Engineering
$70K
70 grads
1yr Earnings
Chemical Engineering
$76K
52 grads
1yr Earnings
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
$72K
48 grads
1yr Earnings
Engineering-Related Fields
$74K
44 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$40K
42 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $77K six years out, climb to $65K by year eight, and reach $90K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Clarkson University
What is the acceptance rate at Clarkson University?▾
How much does Clarkson University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Clarkson University?▾
How much do Clarkson University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.