About Clarkson University
Clarkson builds engineers and business leaders who land jobs in tech companies across the Northeast. The university has produced executives like Betsy Holden, former CEO of Kraft Foods, and Robert Iannucci, former CTO of Nokia. With 2,449 students tucked into the remote town of Potsdam, this technological university creates tight-knit communities where professors know their students well. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means you won't get lost in lecture halls. Students here are serious about STEM careers, and the school's motto "Eclat et Industria" reflects that focus on excellence and hard work.
The sticker price hits $76,526, but most students pay far less after institutional aid kicks in. The average net price drops to $31,955, making this private education more accessible than it appears. Graduates earn a median of $89,696 ten years out, easily justifying the typical $26,000 in debt. That monthly loan payment of $276 becomes manageable when you consider the strong employment rate of 96.7%.
The student body skews heavily male at 67%, reflecting the engineering focus. Twenty varsity sports keep the Golden Knights competitive in Division III athletics. With 403 student-athletes and $1.8 million in athletic scholarships, sports play a meaningful role on this small campus.
The sticker price hits $76,526, but most students pay far less after institutional aid kicks in. The average net price drops to $31,955, making this private education more accessible than it appears. Graduates earn a median of $89,696 ten years out, easily justifying the typical $26,000 in debt. That monthly loan payment of $276 becomes manageable when you consider the strong employment rate of 96.7%.
The student body skews heavily male at 67%, reflecting the engineering focus. Twenty varsity sports keep the Golden Knights competitive in Division III athletics. With 403 student-athletes and $1.8 million in athletic scholarships, sports play a meaningful role on this small campus.
Academics & Faculty
Clarkson built its reputation as a technological powerhouse specializing in engineering, business, and applied sciences. The university's 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in demanding STEM coursework. With 73% of students graduating within four years, the intensive programs clearly prepare students for immediate career success. Engineering remains the flagship discipline, though business and health sciences have grown . The median starting salary of $72,875 reflects the practical, career-focused education that employers value. Students dive deep into hands-on research and co-op experiences rather than broad liberal arts exploration. The 96.7% employment rate demonstrates how Clarkson's technical focus translates directly into job market success for graduates.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 78.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 73.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 73.6%
- Retention Rate
- 84.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $89,696
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Master | $110,878 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $107,376 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $95,295 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $82,440 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $78,074 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $77,715 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $71,575 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,009 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,858 |
Campus Life
The Adirondack Mountains surround Clarkson's compact campus in Potsdam, a college town three hours north of Albany. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, making heavy coats essential for the long trek between dorms and engineering labs. About 99% of students live on campus in a community of 2,449, creating tight bonds among the 67% male, 33% female student body.
Engineering and business majors dominate campus life, with the 12:1 student-faculty ratio fostering close relationships between professors and students. Weekend activities center around hockey games and outdoor adventures in the surrounding wilderness. The Golden Knights compete in 20 Division III sports, with 403 total athletes making up a significant portion of the student population. Students often head to the nearby St. Lawrence River for kayaking or hiking in warmer months. With an 85% retention rate, most students stick around all four years, creating a family-like atmosphere where upperclassmen mentor newcomers through rigorous STEM coursework.
Engineering and business majors dominate campus life, with the 12:1 student-faculty ratio fostering close relationships between professors and students. Weekend activities center around hockey games and outdoor adventures in the surrounding wilderness. The Golden Knights compete in 20 Division III sports, with 403 total athletes making up a significant portion of the student population. Students often head to the nearby St. Lawrence River for kayaking or hiking in warmer months. With an 85% retention rate, most students stick around all four years, creating a family-like atmosphere where upperclassmen mentor newcomers through rigorous STEM coursework.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 2,417 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1896
Campus Safety (2023)
7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 6°–25°F
- July Avg
- 58°–79°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 77.3"
Student Demographics
Students at this tech-focused university come primarily from New York, with 65% staying in-state to study engineering and business. The student body skews heavily male at a 2-to-1 ratio, reflecting the school's strong emphasis on STEM fields where men traditionally dominate enrollment. Most students are white, though the school draws a growing number of Hispanic and international students to its engineering programs. About one in five receives Pell Grants, indicating the school attracts middle-class families seeking strong career outcomes in technical fields.
- Men
- 67.3%
- Women
- 32.7%
- White
- 79.0%
- Black
- 3.2%
- Hispanic
- 6.7%
- Asian
- 2.7%
- In-State Students
- 65.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.5%
Location
Potsdam sits in northern New York, about 150 miles from Albany and 300 miles from New York City. The town of 9,400 residents centers around two universities, with Clarkson sharing the area with SUNY Potsdam. Students experience true small-town life surrounded by the Adirondack foothills and St. Lawrence River valley. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, creating a tight-knit campus community during long snowy months. The remote setting means most entertainment happens on campus or outdoors through hiking, skiing, and water sports. With 65% of students coming from within New York state, many appreciate escaping urban areas for focused academic work. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Clarkson with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Potsdam, New York 13699
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $89,696
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $89,882
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $56,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 86.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Clarkson University?
Clarkson University admits 78.42% of applicants, making it relatively accessible for a tech-focused institution. The average SAT score is 1280, reflecting the university's emphasis on strong STEM preparation.
How much does Clarkson University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Clarkson University is $31,955, lower than the sticker price of $57,950. About 30% of students receive institutional grants averaging $41,285, helping offset costs at this private technological university.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Clarkson University?
Clarkson maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 2,449 total students. This small size allows for hands-on learning in engineering labs and close mentorship in STEM research projects.
How much do Clarkson University graduates earn?
Clarkson graduates earn a median salary of $89,696 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong demand for their engineering and business skills. The employment rate reaches 96.7%, with many alumni landing positions at major tech and manufacturing companies.
Where is Clarkson University located?
Clarkson sits in Potsdam, NY, a remote town near the Canadian border. With housing capacity for 2,417 students on a campus serving 2,449 total enrollment, nearly all undergraduates live on campus in this tight-knit community.
Is Clarkson University primarily male or female?
Clarkson's student body is 67.29% male and 32.71% female, typical for engineering-focused institutions. The gender imbalance reflects the university's strong emphasis on traditionally male-dominated STEM fields like mechanical and electrical engineering.
