Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Potsdam, New York |
| Online | clarkson.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Town |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Clarkson University, established in 1896, is situated in the small town of Potsdam in northern New York State, approximately 20 miles from the Canadian border. The 640-acre wooded campus combines modern academic facilities with traditional brick buildings, centered around the Hill Campus and the downtown Potsdam location. The private technological university maintains a focused academic environment emphasizing engineering, business, sciences, and health professions, with engineering programs serving as the institution's cornerstone. Students are required to live on campus for their first two years in traditional residence halls or suite-style accommodations, while upperclassmen have access to apartment-style housing options. The university competes in NCAA Division I athletics for men's and women's hockey, while other sports programs participate in Division III.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Clarkson is rated within the top 29% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Clarkson University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#183 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#144 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#28 in Best Colleges in New York
#25 in Best Private Colleges in New York
#179 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#19 in Best Value Colleges in New York
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1198/1390 |
| ACT | 26/31 |
| GPA | 3.8 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,560 |
| Other Fees | $1,308 |
| Room and Board | $17,016 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,496 |
| Total One Year Cost | $79,022 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Engineering | 48% |
| Business | 15% |
| Biology | 9% |
| Engineering Technology | 9% |
| Communication | 3% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Clarkson are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=190044 IPEDS survey data for Clarkson University.
Current students may use the Clarkson University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025