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Clarkson University

Potsdam, NY·Private·https://www.clarkson.edu/

Campus Identity

NCAA D3Greek LifePhD Programs

Clarkson University is a small private nonprofit university in Potsdam, NY. Approximately 2,196 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 77% acceptance rate. Ski resorts are within 38 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 51/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

At a Glance

Clarkson University is a small private nonprofit university in Potsdam, NY. Approximately 2,196 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 77% acceptance rate. Ski resorts are within 38 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 51/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

77%
Acceptance Rate
6,661 applications
28
ACT Score (50th %ile)
Range: 25–32
$53,100
In-State Tuition
+$1,270 fees
$53,100
Out-of-State Tuition
+$1,270 fees
$18,252
Room & Board
21 meals/week
2,196
Total Enrollment
Undergraduate students
9%
Yield Rate
Admitted students who enrolled
NCAA D3
Athletics
Liberty League
Selectivity77% · Open
Highly SelectiveOpen

SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)

SAT Evidence-Based Reading

590640690

SAT Math

610660700

Campus Lifestyle

Athletics

NCAA D3

Liberty League

Greek Life

Active Greek System

1% frats · 8% sororities

School Size & Setting

1,000–4,999

Town setting

Weather

Cold Climate

36°F avg school-year

Nearby Ski Resorts

200 skiable acres10 lifts
58 mi away
299 skiable acres11 liftsNo Waffle Cabin
67 mi away
70 skiable acres5 lifts

Average Monthly Temperature

1991–2020 Climate Normals · Potsdam, NY

16°Jan19°Feb28°Mar42°Apr55°May65°Jun69°Jul68°Aug60°Sep48°Oct36°Nov24°Dec

Station: COLTON 2 N · Source: NOAA NCEI

On Campus Safety Score

2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students

51/100
Less Safe
PersonalSafetyPropertySafetyParty SceneSafety575135
57/100
Personal
assault, rape, stalking, dating and domestic violence
51/100
Property
burglary, vehicle theft, arson
35/100
Party Scene
drug, alcohol & weapons enforcement

On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.

Cost Breakdown

Annual costs for the 2023–24 academic year. Source: IPEDS/NCES 2024.

Tuition
$53,100
Fees
$1,270
Room & Board
$18,252
Total
$72,622
App Fee: $50
Meal Plan: 21 meals/week

These are sticker prices. Your actual cost may be much lower with financial aid.

Calculate Your Net Price

Fields of Study

94 programs offered

Most Popular Programs

Mechanical EngineeringBachelor's
155 grads/yr$90,286
Civil EngineeringBachelor's
70 grads/yr$82,387
Business Administration, Management and OperationsMaster's
69 grads/yr$98,831
Engineering-Related FieldsMaster's
53 grads/yr$130,454
Chemical EngineeringBachelor's
52 grads/yr$93,614

Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Master's24 grads$140,359
Engineering-Related Fields
Master's53 grads$130,454
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Master's25 grads$109,601
Health and Medical Administrative Services
Master's43 grads$108,604
Computer Engineering
Bachelor's27 grads$107,790
Mechanical Engineering
Master's27 grads$107,611
Computer Science
Bachelor's30 grads$103,132
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Master's69 grads$98,831
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Bachelor's36 grads$97,750
Chemical Engineering
Bachelor's52 grads$93,614

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Clarkson University located?

Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY. The main campus address is 8 Clarkson Ave, Potsdam, NY. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.

What is the acceptance rate at Clarkson University?

Clarkson University has an acceptance rate of 77%, making it accessible. Out of 6,661 applicants, 5,153 were admitted in the most recent year. 2,196 students enrolled.

What ACT score do you need for Clarkson University?

The middle 50% of enrolled students at Clarkson University scored between 25 and 32 on the ACT, with a median of 28. About 11% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.

How much does it cost to attend Clarkson University?

For the 2023–24 academic year, Clarkson University charges $53,100/year in tuition. Including room and board ($18,252/year), the total estimated cost for out-of-state students is approximately $54,370/year. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can significantly reduce this cost — use Clarkson University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

What is the application fee for Clarkson University?

The undergraduate application fee at Clarkson University is $50. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.

Does Clarkson University have college sports?

Yes — Clarkson University competes at the NCAA D3 level in the Liberty League. Division III programs emphasize academic achievement alongside athletic competition, without athletic scholarships.

Is Clarkson University the right fit for me?

Whether Clarkson University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (77% admit rate), cost ($53,100/year out-of-state), campus culture in Potsdam, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Clarkson University against similar schools side-by-side.

Data sourced from IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Clarkson University directly for the most current information.

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Start your application at the official website.

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Quick Facts

Type
Private
Location
Potsdam, NY
Size
1,000–4,999
Degrees Offered
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
NCAA
NCAA D3
Conference
Liberty League
School Year Weather
Cold · 36°F avg
App Fee
$50
On Campus Safety Score
51/100
Nearest Airport
Massena, NY (MSS) · 20 mialso OGS (23 mi), SLK (44 mi)

Location

Potsdam, NY

Data Sources: Admissions, cost, and enrollment data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (NCES, 2024 survey year). Fields of Study data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. On Campus Safety Score computed from Clery Act data (U.S. Dept. of Education, 3-year average normalized per 1,000 students). Data may not reflect most recent changes. Always verify with the institution directly.