Clarkson University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
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.
⬡ LangSmithb3f6bb4d-9cf4-4f43-8223-29e8e4d73050Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Clarkson University facts and stats
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.
⬡ LangSmith1af2af50-832a-40e2-a8fa-e27707ea1b7ePotsdam, NY
How do your scores compare at Clarkson?
Key Clarkson University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 15
Early Action
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Early Decision
December 1
Priority Deadline
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Financial Aid Priority
February 1
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
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
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.
⬡ LangSmith601c3edf-c33e-4fe4-bf86-29186048e104Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Clarkson University?
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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.
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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.
⬡ LangSmith8598cfda-ccca-4a9f-9877-5ff2e23c1293Student life at Clarkson University
89% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 10% of men join fraternities, and 8% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Manhattan University
Riverdale, NYAcceptance rate: 78.9%
SAT: 1140–1330
ACT: 25–29
New York Institute of Technology
Old Westbury, NYAcceptance rate: 81%
SAT: 1190–1420
ACT: 24–32
Le Moyne College
Syracuse, NYAcceptance rate: 78.7%
SAT: 1140–1300
ACT: 26–30
Nazareth University
Rochester, NYAcceptance rate: 74.7%
SAT: 1100–1310
ACT: 22–32
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