About

About Clarkson University

engineering focuseddoctoral research universitysmall upstate campusco-op programsstem driven

Clarkson University is a private research university in Potsdam, NY, known for its engineering focused, small upstate campus, and co-op programs. With an acceptance rate of 78%, Clarkson is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 596 students each year. Clarkson is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1190–1360, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Clarkson offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $42,753 per year; the sticker price of $74,462 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Clarkson University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

78%
Overall Accept Rate
3.75
Typical Admitted GPA
1275
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.50 – 3.75 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 1190 – 1360 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Clarkson University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Clarkson puts real weight on essays, so use yours to show a specific technical problem or project that drives your interest in your intended major. Admissions readers want to see you think like an engineer or scientist, not just say you love STEM.
Extracurriculars
Clarkson values students who build things and solve problems outside class, so highlight any robotics teams, hackathons, independent coding projects, or research experiences in your activities list with specific outcomes or results you achieved.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Clarkson University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$74k/yr$21.3k
30k-48k~$74k/yr$19.9k
48k-75k~$74k/yr$23.3k
75k-110k~$74k/yr$31.0k
110k+~$74k/yr$35.8k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

74%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$77k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
2,815
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

74%White
13%Hispanic
4%International
4%Two or More Races
3%Black / African American
2%Asian
0%Unknown / Unreported
0%American Indian / AK Native
Gender70% Men · 31% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status96% Citizens and Immigrants · 4% International
Clarkson, Potsdam Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch