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, doctoral research university, and small upstate campus. With an acceptance rate of 78%, Clarkson University is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 596 students each year. Clarkson University is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1190–1360, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Clarkson University 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

Build your free list to see where your GPA lands at Clarkson University

SATSubmitted score range: 1190 – 1360 (test optional)

Build your free list to see where your scores land →

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.
Test Score Strategy
Since Clarkson is test optional and your score falls below their 75th percentile, you are better off not submitting it and letting your GPA, coursework, and essays carry your application.

Get a tailored strategy for Clarkson University. Build your free list to unlock personalized advice on submitting test scores and discover your actual admission odds based on your student profile.

Build My Free List →

Financial Aid & Cost

What Clarkson University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. 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

Not sure what Clarkson University would cost your family? Build your free SpearMatch list. We show estimated net cost for every college on your list based on your income bracket.

Unlock real pricing for Clarkson University and matching colleges →

Personalize this page

Compare your profile to Clarkson University's admitted class

SpearMatch builds a tiered college list from your actual grades, scores, and preferences — and shows where you stand at every college. Free, no account, 4 minutes.

Build My Free List →

✓ Free forever  ·  ✓ No account  ·  ✓ 1,300+ four-year US colleges

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
Clarkson University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch