Deposited Undergraduate Students Welcome
Deposited Undergraduate Students
Clarkson sets you up for success before you even arrive with special programming and support starting right after deposit.
As soon as you commit to Clarkson, you're part of the family.
Our commitment back to you is this - we'll give you every resource possible to make becoming a Golden Knight a seamless process. Here's just some examples of what's next:
- A virtual spot to meet your fellow classmates and start forging lifelong friendships
- Free online microcredentials to start boosting your resume from day one
- Access to current students and parents of current students to get your questions answered
- Guidance from our CU Connect Mentors Program, setting you up with a Clarkson pro to help along the way
- Regional summer Welcome Picnics to mingle with other families and alumni from your area
- Math refresher workshops in the summer to brush up your skills
- Pre-Orientation experiences to acclimate you to our area and our most popular clubs
- A memorable Move-in & Orientation Weekend
- Activities, events and courses in your first semester created for just for first-year students
After Deposit
Whether you make your deposit on December 15 or May 1, we've got a few resources and activities up our sleeves to help prepare you for Golden Knight life!
Spotlight On: Summer Welcome Picnics!
Each summer, our staff in undergraduate admissions, student life, and alumni relations work together to host a number of in person welcome picnics across New York and New England to bring together our newest Golden Knights with our alumni, staff and current students. These picnics typically take place in mid-late July and sometimes even early August. Welcome Picnics are fun for the whole family and are designed to get you even more excited for your first semester!
2026 Dates/Locations
Tuesday, July 14 at 6pm: Buffalo, Connecticut, Boston
Wednesday, July 15 at 6pm: Rochester, Albany, New Hampshire
Thursday, July 16 at 6pm: Syracuse, Vermont, Mohawk Valley
Saturday, July 18 at 1pm: New York City
Wednesday, July 22 at 6pm: North Country
Log in to your Golden Knight Gateway to learn more and register for a picnic near you today!
Additional Summer Activities
Spotlight On: CU Connect Mentors Program
You’ve made your commitment to become a Golden Knight…now what? We’ve got you! There is a lot to do to get you ready for your journey at Clarkson University, and your CU Connect Mentor will be there every step of the way! From navigating your next steps—like how course registration, housing selection and orientation happen—to answering any questions you might have about campus life, your mentor is here to ensure a smooth transition.
Your CU Connect Mentor is a dedicated professional staff member who knows the ins and outs of Clarkson and can provide personalized guidance tailored to your interests and needs. They'll be in touch with you after you make your deposit, usually in early-mid May but sometimes sooner, and you are welcome to get in touch with them earlier. Whether it’s connecting you with campus resources, helping you build your network, or just offering support as you settle in, they’ll be your go-to person from the moment you commit through your first semester.
Welcome to the Clarkson family—we’re excited to support you on this journey!
Moving In & Orientation Weekend
We pack a lot into one weekend! You'll be moving in, experiencing your first Clarkson tradition, Convocation, and participating in Orientation activities during your first days on campus.
Convocation
Convocation is an honored Clarkson tradition. During this special event, all new students gather in Cheel Arena for inspiring remarks and the celebration of the start of another year. You'll hear the Clarkson bell ring for the first time, just like you will at the end of your Commencement!
Your First Semester...
New Knight Expo
A new event in 2024, the New Knight Expo takes place within the first few weeks of the fall semester. Departments from across the University come out to showcase how they support students and how students can get involved. Prizes, giveaways, games and more make this a fun introduction to all the resources our students have at Clarkson.
First Year Seminar
First Year Seminar (FYS) is a one credit, pass/fail course required for all first year students at Clarkson. The goal of FYS is to serve as a college transition course, helping new students successfully become part of the Clarkson community. Current students help create the curriculum and teach the course as peer educators, master peers and student coordinators. Learn more about FYS in this blog post.
First Year Cup
The First Year Cup (FYC) is an engaging and competitive initiative that promotes student involvement and community spirit within residential floors. Each floor participates by attending various campus events listed on the FYC calendar, earning a point(s) for each event attended. The winning floor, determined by the highest point accumulation, is rewarded with prizes for housing opportunities and a catered dinner with the Clarkson University President. Events included in the FYC calendar cater to a diverse range of interests and activities, such as athletic events, sustainability initiatives, career fairs, international fairs, guest speakers and more. This ensures something for everyone, encouraging broad participation across the student body with educational and physically active events. Events are also tied in annually to the First Year Seminar class.
Living Learning Communities
Living Learning Communities are residential environments where students with shared interests live together. They engage in programs that support their academic, social, and personal growth. Students benefit from diverse community interactions while exploring common interests. All first-year Living Learning Communities are located in “The Quad,” which includes Brooks, Cubley, Reynolds, and Ross House residence halls. Residence Life programming is open to all students living on theme floors. Learn more about our current LLCs.
Family Weekend
Hosted every fall around our home DI hockey games, Family Weekend is filled with activities for families of our current students to enjoy on our campus. Events like open skating, DIII athletic competitions, family receptions, hiking and 5Ks, open houses and showcases, meals, pumpkin painting, SPEED team demonstrations, shows, concerts and games all bring our Clarkson community closer together. Learn more about Family Weekend.
Academic Advising
At Clarkson, we have many forms of academic advising. Advising is done differently in each of our schools and institutes. A new webpage is forthcoming with information about all advising, including specialty advising for health careers, law studies and accelerated programs.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid
We're a Best Value College
100%
of Clarkson undergraduate students receive financial aid.
That means that 0% of Clarkson students pay full tuition
Nearly 60%
Of Clarkson students pay less than half of the total cost of attendance.
$41,285
Is the average yearly financial aid award for Clarkson students, compared to a national average of $7,535.
$82,786
Is the average starting salary for Clarkson graduates for the Class of 2025.
25%
Of Clarkson students graduate without debt, and for 80% of graduates, their debt totals less than their starting salary.
96%
University Placement Rate - Class of 2025, within 6 months of graduation in their chosen field
$100M
In scholarships and aid awarded to the Class of 2028
Tuition and costs
Review the total cost of attendance for the upcoming academic year — from tuition and fees to housing, books and other projected expenses — based on how you’ll attend Clarkson.
Net Price Calculator
If you’re an incoming, first-time undergraduate student, calculate how much a Clarkson education could cost based on last year’s tax return and your academic record.
Scholarships and Other Types of Financial Aid
We’re a community where leaders take shape and ideas progress into innovative concepts. Scholarships and other merit- and need-based awards support your endeavors here and harness your potential to propel you to many different places. Explore all awards available to you.
Undergraduate Students
As an incoming undergraduate, you’re eligible for institutional, federal and state need-based grants as well as several merit-based scholarships and Alumni Connection awards, along with work-study and loans. While submitting your FAFSA® places you into consideration for need-based grants, certain awards may involve a separate application.
Transfer Students
As you start the next segment of your educational journey, Clarkson opens up multiple awards to transfer students, including space in our Honors Program.
Graduate Students
Pay for your education and build your résumé with research and teaching assistantships. Clarkson also extends industrial and government fellowships, stipends, partial-tuition scholarships and corporate partner discounts to graduate students.
International Students
Our hands-on, discovery-fueled programs draw students from all over the globe. We embrace the talents and perspectives our international students bring — and we also reward them with merit-based scholarships, Honors stipends and assistantships.
The Clarkson School Students
These awards recognize your ambition and outstanding academic record as a high school student getting an early start on college — with many carrying over once you choose Clarkson University for your bachelor’s degree program.
Military and Veterans
You’ve dedicated your service to our country, and now, we dedicate ourselves to your next adventure. Understand how to apply the benefits you’ve earned toward a Clarkson education, from the Yellow Ribbon and Tuition Assistance programs to ROTC and Air Force
scholarships.
Grants and Outside Scholarships
“What’s the difference between a scholarship and a grant — and what other options do I have to pay for my education?” Our resources break down the details and point you toward additional funding.
Loans
Beyond your awards, loans help you finance your studies but need to be paid back with interest. While our institution has low default rates compared to other schools (1.6% versus a 10.1% average), you’re advised to thoroughly review this funding source, including terms and other factors, before you approve your aid package.
The Presidential Fellowship
Open to incoming first-year, international and Clarkson School students, this merit-based award covers all tuition costs over eight semesters for five first-time students.
I decided to attend Clarkson because, as a Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) student, I have amazing aid. I figured if I was getting this much financial aid, why wouldn’t I accept? I wanted to leave for college. I didn't want to stay in the city, so with my aid, I was able to go away for college like I wanted.
Adriana Gonzalez '26
Solinsky Engineers Program
Up to 100 first-year engineering students each receive $5,000 per year for all four years they attend Clarkson. Along with this scholarship, participants have access to networking opportunities, mentorship, research projects and company visits and can get a head start on their master’s.
How to Apply for Aid
The first step to receiving financial support is submitting the FAFSA®. Whether you’re applying as a first-year, transfer or graduate student, are incoming or are continuing your education, completing this form allows us to accurately select awards in line with your background. Get a step-by-step overview of this process, or review our FAQs for additional information.
Key Undergraduate Financial Aid Deadlines
December 1
Early Decision deadline for scholarships and the FAFSA® for the Fall semester.
Transfer student FAFSA® deadline for the Spring semester.
February 1
First-year student FAFSA® deadline for need-based aid.
Last day to submit recommendations for the Holcroft Alumni Recognition Awards.
February 1
Deadline to submit the Presidential Fellowship application.
April 15
Transfer student FAFSA® deadline for the Fall semester.
"I chose Clarkson University not only for the education but also for the good mentorship from truly distinguished professors and the opportunity to meet students who are equally driven and motivated. Clarkson's network of people is one of the motivating factors in my decision to attend Clarkson."
Bizimana Valesi '25
Have Questions About Financial Aid?
The Clarkson’s Office of Financial Aid and Student Achievement Services (SAS) are ready to help. Here’s how you can contact us.
Office of Financial Aid
Phone: 315-268-6413
Email: finaidletters@clarkson.edu