Overview
Clarkson University is a less selective private four-year institution in Potsdam, New York. The school accepts 78.4% of applicants and enrolls 2,449 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 78.4%
- Average SAT
- 1,280
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,190–1,370
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 28
- Total Enrollment
- 2,449
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Clarkson uses the Common Application with a January 15 regular decision deadline, though you can apply as late as March 1 with rolling admissions. You need to submit your high school transcript, one letter of recommendation, and either SAT or ACT scores. The school is test-optional, but submitting scores can help with merit scholarship consideration.
Engineering programs at Clarkson are more competitive than the overall admissions process suggests. Computer Science and Computer Engineering draw particularly strong applicant pools, so your math and science grades matter more for these majors. Business programs are also selective within the university.
Housing fills up quickly, so submit your housing application and deposit immediately after acceptance. First-year students live in traditional residence halls, with SPEED (Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Design) learning communities available for STEM majors. The campus requires a meal plan for all residential students.
Potsdam sits in the North Country near the Canadian border, meaning harsh winters and limited transportation options. The nearest major airport is in Syracuse, about two hours away. Burlington, Vermont is closer but still requires careful travel planning. Campus gets snow from November through March, so pack accordingly.
Clarkson operates on a semester system with a January term option. The January term allows you to take intensive courses, internships, or study abroad programs. Many engineering students use this time for co-ops or research projects.
Financial aid decisions come with admission letters. The school offers merit scholarships automatically based on your application, but you need to file the FAFSA by February 1 for need-based aid consideration. Engineering and business students often receive higher merit awards than other majors.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $31,955/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $57,950
- Students Receiving Aid
- 20%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 73.6%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $89,696/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 84.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Clarkson University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Clarkson University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application.
What is the application deadline for Clarkson University?
Clarkson University has rolling admissions with a priority deadline of January 15 for fall admission. Applications submitted after this date are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Does Clarkson University offer early decision or early action?
Clarkson University offers early decision with a deadline of December 1. Early decision is binding, meaning admitted students must attend Clarkson.
How many credits can transfer students bring to Clarkson University?
Transfer students can bring up to 64 credits from community colleges or up to 90 credits from four-year institutions. All transfer students must complete at least 30 credits at Clarkson to earn a degree.