Private not-for-profit

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Clarkson University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1215 to 1370

ACT Range26 to 31

Average GPA3.70

Acceptance Rate77.4%

Clarkson’s 77% acceptance rate means your strategy is not just proving you belong, but choosing what evidence makes your case strongest. Because nearly half of applicants submit SAT scores, a result near the top of Clarkson’s 1215–1370 range can be worth sending. If your score is lower, your 3.7-level GPA and coursework can carry more weight.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Clarkson University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Clarkson University enrolls about 2,296 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. Clarkson has an 85% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 78%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1.

Location

Potsdam, NY

Undergrad Enrollment2,296

Freshman Retention85%

SettingSmall town

Student to Faculty Ratio13:1

Graduation Rate78%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Clarkson?

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Key Clarkson University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 15

Early Action

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Early Decision

December 1

Priority Deadline

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Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

February 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional Clarkson, take your first exam by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year plus the fall for retakes and superscoring chances. For the December 1 Early Decision deadline, plan on an October retake as the last safe test date whose scores should arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

Clarkson is a private not-for-profit, with tuition and fees of $59,398. About 75% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $38,830. Submit the FAFSA by the February 1 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.

Tuition and Fees$59,398

Room and Board$19,094

Average Merit Award$38,830

Application FeeN/A

Students on Aid75%

Average Aid Package$55,072

Average Debt at Grad$27,000

Clarkson’s total listed cost for tuition, fees, room, and board is about $78,492. About 75% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $55,072, and merit aid is often substantial, with an average merit award of $38,830 and awards such as the $30,000 Clarkson Leadership and Achievement Awards. Students graduate with an average debt of $27,000.