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Clarkson University

Private

Potsdam, NY

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Clarkson University, in Potsdam, NY, is a private small school, enrolling around 2,196 students. It's not highly selective, admitting a majority of applicants, admitting about 77% of applicants. Engineering graduates, especially in Computer Engineering, report the strongest earnings here: a median of $107,790/year. Most students arrange their own housing since on-campus living isn't required.

Admissions

Admit rate77%
SAT range1200–1390
ACT range25–32
Undergrads2,196
Yield (admits who enroll)12%
Next deadlineDec 1, 2026 (ED1)

Cost & outcomes

Cost of attendance$79,022
4-year grad rate74%
Median earnings, 10yr out$89,696

From the US Dept of Education College Scorecard, most recent year reported. Not every school reports every field.

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How Clarkson University weighs your application

From Clarkson University's own Common Data Set, 2024-25, Section C7 -- not a generic admissions checklist. What is a Common Data Set?

Academic factors
Rigor of secondary school recordVery important
Class rankConsidered
Academic GPAImportant
Standardized test scoresImportant
Application essayImportant
RecommendationsImportant
Nonacademic factors
InterviewImportant
Extracurricular activitiesImportant
Talent/abilityConsidered
Character/personal qualitiesConsidered
First generationConsidered
Alumni relation (legacy)Not considered
Geographical residenceNot considered
State residencyNot considered
Religious affiliationNot considered
Volunteer workConsidered
Work experienceConsidered
Level of interest (demonstrated interest)Considered
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Paying it back

Undergrads taking federal loans62%
Loan balance still growing, 3yrs out86%

"Still growing" means a borrower's payments aren't yet covering interest 3 years into repayment -- not a default rate. A high number here can mean real repayment difficulty, or just a lot of grads who deferred for graduate school, so read it alongside the school's typical outcomes above.

Majors & earnings

Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Biology, General$77,791/yr
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Business Administration, Management and Operations$93,152/yr
Accounting and Related Services$93,132/yr
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Computer Science$103,132/yr
Engineering
Computer Engineering$107,790/yr
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$97,750/yr
Chemical Engineering$93,614/yr
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering$91,066/yr
Mechanical Engineering$90,286/yr
Civil Engineering$82,387/yr
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering$77,891/yr
Engineering Technologies and Engineering-Related Fields
Engineering-Related Fields$88,793/yr
Psychology
Psychology, General$73,359/yr

Median earnings 4 years after graduation, by major, from the US Dept of Education. Only shown where the school reports a real figure for that major -- most schools don't report every major they offer, especially smaller programs.

Campus life

On-campus housingYes
Required to live on campusNo
Dormitory capacity2,482
Typical room charge$8,978
Typical board charge$7,766

Room and board are shown separately from the cost of attendance above -- that total already includes them alongside tuition and fees, this just breaks out the living-cost portion.

What matters in your application

GPARequired
Class rankRequired
RecommendationsRequired

From this school's own reporting to the US Dept of Education on what it formally requires, considers, or doesn't use when reviewing applications.

Frequently asked questions

What does Clarkson University look for in applicants?

Per Clarkson University's own Common Data Set (Section C7), it rates rigor of secondary school record as "very important" in admissions decisions -- its own stated top factors, not a generic guess.

What is Clarkson University's acceptance rate?

Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY admits approximately 77% of applicants, based on the US Dept of Education's most recently reported figures.

What SAT score do I need for Clarkson University?

Admitted students at Clarkson University typically score between 1200–1390 on the SAT (25th–75th percentile).

What ACT score do I need for Clarkson University?

Admitted students at Clarkson University typically score between 25–32 on the ACT (25th–75th percentile).

How much does Clarkson University cost?

Clarkson University's total cost of attendance is reported at $79,022 per year, including tuition, fees, and room and board.

When is the application deadline for Clarkson University?

Clarkson University's earliest deadline is Dec 1, 2026 (ED1), per its own published admissions calendar.

Does Clarkson University require students to live on campus?

No -- Clarkson University doesn't require students to live in on-campus housing.

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