Campus Identity
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. Lake Saint Lawrence is about 16 miles from campus. 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.
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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. Lake Saint Lawrence is about 16 miles from campus. 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.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Clarkson University is a 1,000–4,999, small-town school with NCAA D3 athletics and a moderate greek life Greek scene. The campus is 38 miles from Titus Mountain Family Ski Center, LLC.
Athletics
NCAA D3
Liberty League
Greek Life
Moderate Greek Life
1% frats · 8% sororities
School Size & Setting
1,000–4,999
Town setting
Weather
Cold Climate
36°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Clarkson University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Titus Mountain Family Ski Center, LLC, 38 miles away with 10 lifts and 200 skiable acres. All are within 67 miles of campus.
New York
New York
Nearby Lake
Lake Saint Lawrence is 16 miles from campus, giving Clarkson University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Lake Saint Lawrence
Lake access within 16.3 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Potsdam, NY
Potsdam has a cold climate, with winters averaging 16°F in Jan and summers peaking around 69°F in Jul.
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
Clarkson University in NY earns a composite safety score of 51/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
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
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $59,398 |
| Fees | $1,270 |
| Room & Board | $18,252 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $78,920 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
94 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
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 2024-25 academic year, Clarkson University charges $59,398/year in tuition. Including room and board ($18,252/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $54,370/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $30,305/year — what students actually pay. 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), avg net price ($30,305/year after aid), campus culture in Potsdam, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Clarkson University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Clarkson University directly for the most current information.
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