Clarkson University

Clarkson University has two main campuses- Potsdam and the Capital Region Campus. Potsdam is the primary 640-acre campus offering a classic  university experience, while the Capital Region Campus is focused on advanced graduate studies.  

Here’s a clear look at each: 

Potsdam Campus 

Main campus for undergraduate students with a vibrant student community 

• 50+ upgraded, tech-enabled classrooms and modern labs 
• 100+ student events held every year, clubs, fests, competitions 
• Multiple housing options for both first year and senior students 
• Most accommodations are within a short walk of academic buildings 
• Access to 3 miles of trails and a canoe launch on the Raquette River 

Capital Region Campus 

Dedicated to master’s and PhD programs 

• Industry-linked labs and specialized research facilities 
• Strong support for interdisciplinary research with direct faculty mentorship 
• Opportunities for internships, research assistantships, and startup incubation 
• Designed for students aiming for accelerated, research-driven career paths 

Clarkson University is recognized for strong programs in engineering, business, and applied sciences. It consistently ranks high for value, career outcomes, and specialized fields, making it an attractive choice for international students. Its engineering programs rank in the top 115 in the U.S., and applied/data science courses are nationally recognized, offering strong ROI and competitive salaries. 

Below is a summary table presenting Clarkson University’s rankings across major global ranking agencies for recent years, giving a broader perspective on its international standing. 

Note: 2026 rankings are not yet released. This table will be updated once official rankings are published. 

Top Course-wise Rankings 

Clarkson University offers a range of programs with notable subject-specific rankings. Below table showcasing some of them: 

Key Takeaways:  

• Clarkson University programs offer high ROI, particularly in engineering, business, and data science. 

• Graduates enjoy strong career outcomes, with an average salary of ~$74,742 (~INR 62L). 

• Its value-focused and specialized rankings make it a top choice for international students seeking quality education with career-ready opportunities. 

For information, check out the upGrad’s Clarkson University Ranking Page. 

Clarkson University enrolls approximately 4,600 students, with about 472 international students representing over 60 countries, including China, India, and Canada. Undergraduate applicants must submit transcripts, a 250-650 word essay, letters of recommendation, and, optionally, their SAT or ACT scores.

Graduate applicants should also provide a bachelor’s degree, a resume, a statement of purpose (SOP), letters of recommendation, and test scores, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. Below is a precise breakdown of the key qualifications and academic criteria required for a successful application to Clarkson University.

Here are the admission requirements for studying at the university, categorized by academic, language, and visa-related criteria.

Academic Qualification Requirements

Academic qualifications play a decisive role at Clarkson, setting the baseline for both undergraduate and graduate admissions.  

Some programs, like the MBA, may ask for a GMAT 500+, though high-GPA applicants can qualify without test scores. Here are the detailed academic qualification requirements for admission to Clarkson University. 

Language Proficiency

Language proficiency is crucial for success at Clarkson University, ensuring students can fully engage with coursework and campus life. The minimum accepted scores are IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80, and PTE 56.

Certain competitive graduate programs may require higher scores, such as a TOEFL iBT 90 or above, to meet rigid communication standards. Here are the specific language proficiency levels for english:

Note: These are the average scores expected for a competitive application to Clarkson University.

Competitive Exams

Competitive exams help Clarkson University assess applicants’ readiness and fit for specific programs, especially at the graduate level. Common tests include the GRE, GMAT, and NYSTCE, as these scores support admissions decisions by providing standardized benchmarks of academic ability and potential.

Below are the key criteria for some competitive exam required to study in the USA:

Note: These are the average scores expected for a competitive application to Clarkson University.

Visa Requirements

A student visa is essential for international students to legally study and live in the U.S., including at Clarkson University. The U.S. F‑1 student visa approval rate was around 59%, with thorough preparation of documents and interviews significantly improving an applicant’s chances.

Being well-prepared helps avoid rejections during the process. Here are the visa requirements for Clarkson University, detailed in the table below.

For more information check out the Clarkson University Admissions Page. 

Clarkson University admits over 4,000 students each year, with 77% acceptance rate for undergraduates and multiple intakes. Fall intake sees the highest number of applications, while Spring intake is limited. International students make up around 10–15% of total enrollments, making early application critical for visa and housing processing. 

Undergraduate Programs 

Fall intake accounts for over 80% of undergraduate admissions, with Early Decision and Regular Decision options. 

Graduate Programs 

Graduate programs enroll ~1,500 students, with Fall intake being the primary period. 

PhD / Research Programs 

Doctoral programs admit ~200 students annually, primarily in Fall. 

Clarkson University offers over 90 undergraduate and more than 40 graduate programs across various disciplines, including engineering, business administration, medical sciences, and liberal arts. These programs are available to both domestic and international students. 

Popular programs include B.S. in Business Analytics, MBA in Supply Chain Management, MS in Occupational Therapy, and PhD in Chemical Engineering. International students benefit from excellent support services, scholarships, and globally recognized degrees. 

Undergraduate Programs 

Clarkson University’s undergraduate programs provide a strong foundation in engineering, business, and health sciences. International students benefit from high-quality teaching, industry exposure, and career-ready skills. 

Graduate Programs 

Clarkson University’s graduate programs focus on advanced knowledge and professional specialization. Students gain hands-on experience, research exposure, and career-focused skills in fields like business, healthcare, and engineering. 

Research & Doctoral Programs 

Clarkson University emphasizes research-driven education, offering doctoral programs that combine innovation, hands-on research, and academic excellence. PhD students benefit from expert faculty guidance and advanced lab facilities. 

For more information check out the Clarkson University Course Page. 

Clarkson University is a private research university, and tuition costs vary by program and level. Cost of studying in the USA for international students, Undergraduate Program Tuition fee is around $59,800 (~₹52 L) per year, while Graduate Program Tuition fee is from $30,750 to $46,350 (~₹26 L–₹40 L) depending on the field. Including housing, meals, and other expenses, the total annual cost of attendance for undergraduates reaches ~$81,774 (~₹71 L).

Undergraduate Program Tuition Fee 

Undergraduate students should budget for tuition, room, board, and additional fees to understand the full cost of studying at Clarkson. 

Graduate Program Tuition Fees

Graduate programs differ in fees based on the program type and credit load. Most courses include term-wise tuition and resource fees. 

Other Fees 

Additional fees apply to cover student resources and campus activities. 

The cost of living in the USA is an essential factor for students planning to study at Clarkson University. Potsdam is a small college town in upstate New York, offering a relatively affordable cost of living compared to major US cities. International students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, and utilities, which together add ~$15,000–$18,000 (~₹13–₹16 L) per year to the total cost of studying. 

Accommodation 

Housing options include on-campus residence halls and off-campus apartments. On-campus housing ensures proximity to classes and campus facilities. 

Transportation 

Potsdam is a small town, so most students rely on walking, biking, or public transport. 

Utilities and Miscellaneous 

Students should account for internet, phone, laundry, and personal expenses. 

Pro Tip: Planning for ~$15,000–$18,000 (~₹13–₹16 L) annually in living expenses ensures students can manage comfortably alongside tuition. 

Clarkson University offers several merit-based scholarships for international students. About 10–15% of the student body are international, and top-performing applicants can receive awards ranging from $5,000–$40,000 (~₹4.3–₹34.8 L) per year. Graduate and PhD students may also receive assistantships or fellowships, which can cover tuition and provide stipends. 

Undergraduate Scholarships 

International undergraduates are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships based on academic performance, leadership, and standardized test scores. 

Graduate & Doctoral Financial Aid 

Graduate students can access assistantships, fellowships, and departmental awards to offset tuition and living expenses. 

Pro Tip: Most scholarships require maintaining satisfactory academic progress (SAP) for renewal and are fixed for the duration of the award. 

Clarkson University emphasizes career readiness, with over 90% of graduates employed or in further studies within six months of graduation. The university maintains strong industry connections across engineering, business, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering students access to internships, co-op programs, and career development services. The student–faculty ratio of 12:1 allows for personalized guidance in placements and career planning. 

Placement Highlights:  

Clarkson University’s career services and co-op programs help students gain real-world experience and secure competitive roles after graduation. 

Top Recruiters 

Clarkson University partners with numerous organizations for internships and placements, including leading companies in engineering, healthcare, IT, and business sectors. 

Clarkson University offers a lively campus experience with over 200 student-led clubs and organizations. For those who want to study in the USA, Clarkson provides more than 30 club sports. Students enjoy numerous opportunities to stay active and build a sense of community. Around 10–15% of students are international, creating a multicultural environment.  

1. Cultural Diversity 

Clarkson University celebrates diversity through various student organizations and cultural events. Students have opportunities to engage with peers from around the world, fostering global perspectives. 

2. Student Clubs, Activities & On-campus Accommodation 

The university hosts over 100 student clubs and organizations, covering interests such as sports, arts, entrepreneurship, and technology. On-campus housing options include residence halls and apartments, promoting community living. 

3. On-Campus Events and Support Services 

Clarkson University organizes regular events such as cultural festivals, hackathons, and guest lectures. Support services include: 

• Career and internship guidance 

• Health and counseling services 

• International student support via internationalcenter@clarkson.edu  

• Academic advising and tutoring 

Clarkson University has a global alumni network of more than 46,000 members, representing over 60 countries. These alumni are integral to the university's community, actively participating in events, mentoring programs, and contributing to various initiatives that support current students and the institution's growth. 

Prominent Alumni:  

When choosing a university, comparing academics, tuition, and career outcomes is crucial. Clarkson University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) are all private U.S. universities with strong engineering and technology programs.  

Clarkson offers a balanced mix of engineering and business, RPI is research-intensive with global prestige, and WPI emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning. Below is a snapshot of how these universities compare across key parameters: 

Clarkson University's undergraduate tuition stands at $58,058 (INR 50L), with additional fees bringing the total bachelor's degree cost to approximately $81,774 (INR 70L). This encompasses tuition, housing, meals, and other associated expenses.

Graduate program tuition varies by discipline. Engineering and science programs typically charge $1,500 (INR 1.28L) per credit, while business-related programs are priced at $995 (INR 85K) per credit. 

Below is a detailed table outlining tuition fees for key undergraduate and graduate programs at Clarkson University.

Note:

• Fees may vary depending on the specific course and specialization chosen.
• Currency conversions are approximate and based on the current exchange rate.

After exploring the academic programs Clarkson offers, it’s equally important to understand the financial commitment involved.