Why Clarkson — Undergraduate Admissions & Aid

Drive Your Future Forward at Clarkson University

Here, we challenge you to find solutions to real-world problems. Roll up your sleeves to test theories and push the boundaries of their applications in the classroom, through research and in on-campus activities, like our collaborative and innovation-powered SPEED teams.

We want you to make an impact even before you graduate. Launch your career through our programs structured around today’s industry needs and the wealth of hands-on opportunities right at your fingertips, including required Professional Experiences. Jump into your field through an internship or co-op, all while receiving targeted guidance from our award-winning Kevin '81 & Annie Parker Career Center and faculty dedicated to your academic and personal success.

Begin your future in one of our top-ranked engineering programs or get a rigorous, real-world education in business, the sciences, technology education or the health professions. Here’s what a Clarkson education leads to.

The Impact of a Clarkson Education

96%

University Placement Rate - Class of 2025, within 6 months of graduation in their chosen field

Visit our award-winning Career Center

$82,786

Average starting salary.

76% Employed, 16% Continuing Education, 2% Military/Other

Undergraduate Class of 2025

Rankings - What Sets Clarkson Apart

LEFT CARD: Social Mobility is top 10 in the nation for students who come from the bottom fifth of incomes and move to the top fifth as adults, quoting The New York Times in 2026. MIDDLE CARD: Top 100 Best college For Engineering In America quoting Niche in 2026. RIGHT CARD: Best value Colleges quoting Niche in 2026.

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Hands-on Experience

What you learn and practice here builds a path toward your first job. A Clarkson education recognizes this: classrooms emphasize a problem-solving, solutions-discovering approach to learning, and all students complete at least one Professional Experience before graduating. Get started on your career and contend with real-world challenges in a co-op or internship in your industry or field. Strengthen your leadership skills in our Army and Air Force ROTC programs.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Research is the gateway to discovery and the foundation for innovation. It’s also a chance to uncover solutions to challenges through observation, data collection and analysis. We extend research opportunities to undergraduates even before their first year begins with the Honors Program’s pre-frosh summer program. Observe and learn from our faculty and graduate students tackling current issues related to Healthy Global Solutions, Computational and Data-Enabled Discovery, Advanced Materials Development and Next Generation Medicine and Healthcare.

Diverse and Tight-Knit Student Body

Strength and innovation come not from size but from connection. Exchange ideas and collaborate across our campus of over 3,150 students, with the vast majority being undergraduates (2,163), hailing from 39 states and 61 countries. Our network of over 48,000 alumni maintains close and active ties to the Clarkson community, funding awards, forging corporate partnerships and extending internship opportunities to undergraduates.

Global Outlook

We live in a global society that influences supply chain networks, business deals and engineering projects and that greatly amplifies the effects of research. A Clarkson education fosters an international perspective for our students' careers and driving innovation. Through partnerships with 50-plus institutions in nearly 30 countries, our students get exposed to how their disciplines work overseas through study abroad opportunities, Global Business Programs and service learning. Closer to home, immerse yourself in your discipline through research, coursework and real-world learning in U.S.-based experiences like the Adirondack Semester and the Washington Semester.

Students together with the golden knight

Active and Engaged Community

Explore your passions, grapple with new challenges and build connections through over 200 clubs, organizations and teams on campus. Cheer on the Golden Knights in our two Division I sports teams (men’s and women’s hockey), 18 Division III sports teams and 180-plus club teams and intramural leagues. Blow off some steam by hiking, biking, skiing or simply enjoying the Adirondacks, our very own backyard.

Storied History

Founded in 1896 as the Thomas S. Clarkson Memorial School of Technology, we lead technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, research, scholarship and innovation. Today, Clarkson University spans hands-on undergraduate programs across science, technology, engineering, business and healthcare.