Clarkson University

Potsdam, NY

Clarkson University

Potsdam, NY

Explore Clarkson University's Featured Profiles:

Undergrad

Know Your Purpose?
ACHIEVE IT HERE.

Clarkson is a private, national research university and proven leader in technological education and sustainable economic development. STEM intersects with our scholarship, research, innovation and teaching through more than 90 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, education, sciences and health professions. With our 4,000+ students, we ignite connections across disciplines, industries and social cultures to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and prepare the leaders of tomorrow. Alumni earn salaries that are among the top two percent in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. Clarkson’s main campus is located in Potsdam, New York, and additional graduate programs, online networks and research facilities are based near industry partners in Saranac Lake, Schenectady, Beacon and New York City.

The favorite verse of our namesake Thomas S. Clarkson, “the workman that needeth not to be ashamed,” was the motto chosen by the founders when our doors opened in 1896 as a new kind of school that blended a technology-rich curriculum with other disciplines, and compelled faculty and students to always seek out the real needs of the American people. Today, we continue to defy convention by going beyond the status quo of deep disciplinary knowledge.  Everyone has opportunities and hands-on access to build the practical skillsets to stretch boundaries.  Clarkson graduates emerge with the entrepreneurial competence to make sense of complex systems and forge connections across people and fields.  One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company. 

Clarkson’s globally oriented faculty pursue interdisciplinary research focused on rapidly solving real world problems for a better future. Example signature areas of research include healthy global solutions, advanced materials development, computational and data-enabled discoveries, next generation medicine and healthcare, and STEM and entrepreneurial education. Our external network engages 380+ active partners in industry, government agencies, chambers of commerce and research organizations affording students access to world relevant problems to pursue with their professors as well as a direct pipeline to internships and careers after graduation. In addition to an engaged 46,000+ strong alumni community living in 87 countries, our global reach extends through the networks of our schools, ROTC command, research centers and institutes.

Your university experience shapes your life
At Clarkson, we want that experience to be balanced. We merge academics and extracurricular activities into what we like to think of as “serious fun.” We're known for our tight-knit community, where our students make lifelong connections and consider the people around them their Golden Knight family.

Activities and Clubs
There are over 250 clubs and organizations on campus. Ranging from academic and professional societies to cultural/identity-based, religious, club sports, and social-based groups, you'll find like-minded friends who share your passion. Similarly, if you’re passionate about volunteering your time and talents, we offer many opportunities for students to get involved in the community. 

Living on Campus
Clarkson University is a four-year residential campus, with the majority of our students living on campus throughout their undergraduate experience. Our housing brings students together with community-building programs and provides well-equipped facilities. We continue to modernize and update residence halls each year to ensure they are comfortable for students.

Campus Dining
Clarkson Dining and Catering offers a variety of dining options, locations, and meal plans to meet the needs of the Clarkson community. Our goal is to ignite a passion for food with an emphasis on providing innovative dining solutions that positively impact student success, health and fitness, and community engagement.

ACCOLADES

 

Top 10 in Nation: Universities that increase salaries the most; a Clarkson degree will increase your earnings by 42% on average | Brookings Institution

 

Ranked as a Top-Tier National University | U.S. News & World Report, Best Colleges

 

Top 20 Colleges From which Students Go on to Earn the Most Money | Business Insider

 

Among the Nation's Best Value Colleges | Forbes

 

#1 College in New York State for Getting a Job | Zippia

 

Top 10% of Best Bachelor's Degree Schools | College Factual

Location

Potsdam: College Town USA

The Village of Potsdam is a classic college town, located on the banks of the beautiful Raquette River. Its tree-lined streets and historic red sandstone buildings give a friendly feel to an array of modern stores and restaurants. Clarkson and SUNY Potsdam are within walking distance of one another. And downtown shops and eateries are within walking distance, too.

Serving a college student population of more than 7,000, the village will fill your shopping needs. Local merchants welcome students and go out of their way to be accommodating. A diverse mix of individuals and families adds to the welcoming atmosphere for students from across the nation and around the world. You'll also appreciate the safe, secure environment that comes with a smaller community.

Fast Facts

Programs of Study: More than 95 in engineering, business, education, science, liberal arts and health professions

Degrees Granted: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Professional Studies, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science, Master of Arts in Teaching, Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Physical Therapy

Enrollment: 4,000+ students from 42 states, 61 countries

Faculty and Staff: 748

Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1

Undergraduate Admission Profile: 47% in top 10% of high school graduating class

Study Abroad & Co-ops: 50+ study abroad partner universities in 24 countries; co-op opportunities

Athletics: 2 Division I sports teams (men's and women's ice hockey); 18 Division III sports teams; 38 intramural teams

Extracurricular:
• 200+ clubs and professional societies
• 240 intramural teams
• Numerous competitive design teams
• Collaboration Hubs to ideate and start new ventures

Fraternities: Seven national; one local
Sororities: Four national

Living Alumni: 46,000+

An Inside Look

What students are saying about us...

  • “Clarkson is a place where opportunities are developed and found. When I asked my classmates what it meant to them, the words they shared were: inspiration, innovation, collaboration, a home away from home, friendship, passion and a network. These words are Clarkson. From the moment a student arrives at Clarkson and through their first year to graduation, these words identify what makes Clarkson special, and our experiences here are unforgettable and invaluable. They shape who we are and who we want to be.”

    • Jefry A. Lopez Rincon '23
    •  
  • “One of the main reasons I chose Clarkson is just the opportunities Clarkson has. They have so many different partnerships with major businesses. With Clarkson, there's a high guarantee of finding a job after graduation. That was a big motivator.”

    • Autumn Rose Lennon '22
      BS in Civil Engineering
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