Clarkson University

Know Your Purpose?
ACHIEVE IT HERE.

Clarkson University is a private, nationally ranked research university focused on hands-on learning, real-world experience, and turning passion into powerful careers. Located in Potsdam, New York—just outside the Adirondack Mountains—Clarkson offers an ideal environment for innovators, trailblazers, and motivated learners who are driven to make a difference.

With over 90 programs in engineering, business, science, and health, Clarkson provides the foundation to explore big ideas, solve real challenges, and collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge research. Through internships, co-ops, global experiences, and lab work, students gain practical experience that sets them apart.

A student body of over 3,800 brings diverse perspectives and energy, sparking creativity and cross-disciplinary thinking. The Clarkson experience fosters the mindset and skills needed to lead in rapidly evolving industries.

Graduates go on to achieve strong outcomes, with starting salaries among the top 2% in the nation and accelerated career growth across a wide range of fields.

At Clarkson University, professors don’t just teach—they’re also leading research that’s focused on solving real-world problems and creating a better future. From developing new materials and medical breakthroughs to finding sustainable global solutions and advancing data science, research at Clarkson is all about making an impact. Students have the chance to work alongside faculty on meaningful projects, even as undergraduates.

With more than 380 connections to companies, government agencies, and research organizations, Clarkson opens the door to internships, co-ops, and hands-on experiences that lead directly to careers. And with a powerful alumni network of over 48,000 professionals in 87 countries, Clarkson’s reach goes far—helping students build connections and take their next steps with confidence.

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, 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. Our first-year students live with other students who share similar interests throughout our Living-Learning Communities. Located in “The Quad,” these communities help you transition to life at Clarkson and cultivate connections through special programming that addresses your academic, social and personal needs. 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 nutrition, and community engagement.