Campus Vibe
Top graduate earnings — known for engineering
Clarkson University is a private institution in Potsdam with particular strength in engineering and business. With an average SAT of 1307, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 2.4K undergraduates with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
74% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $89,696 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $31,955.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Clarkson University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1307
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
34.6%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$21,714
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
16
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
Programs (86)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
85%
- •85% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History The school was founded in 1896 and was funded by the sisters of Thomas S.
- •During the first half of the 20th century, most of the campus was located "downtown".
- •As of 2001, almost all academics and housing had moved to the hill campus.
- •In 2022, the Clarkson board of trustees named the Hill campus "The Collins Hill Campus" in honor of longtime President Tony Collins.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average