Financial Aid FAQs

To apply for need-based financial aid, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We recommend you file electronically. This form is also available in high school guidance offices. Clarkson will automatically consider you for merit-based scholarships once your admission application has been reviewed.

Yes. By filing the FAFSA, students are eligible for a low-interest Federal Direct Student Loan. Also, should your family's financial situation change, we can consider you for additional financial aid, provided we have a completed FAFSA on file.

Yes, Clarkson offers merit-based scholarships that range from $2,000-$25,000. Most are awarded automatically after considering your admission application. Others require separate applications.

No. The only form required is the FAFSA.

002699

For the 2023-2024 academic year, Clarkson's billable costs (for U.S. citizens and permanent residents) are:

• Tuition & Fees - $56,642
• Housing (two persons)* - $10,698
• Meals - $7,766
• Undergraduate Total Fixed Costs** - $75,106

Note: This is for both the Fall and Spring Semesters

For the 2022-2023 academic year, Clarkson's billable costs (for U.S. citizens and permanent residents) are: 

• Tuition & Fees - $56,258
• Housing (two persons)* - $9,240
• Meals - $7,766
• Undergraduate Total Fixed Costs** - $73,264

*Housing costs are based on a weighted average.  Freshman housing charges are usually slightly less than the weighted average. For exact housing figures, please see Residence Life

**Total fixed costs apply to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. See costs and financial aid for international students.

Yes. Clarkson's tuition, housing and meal costs typically increase by four to six percent each year. This is determined each February for the following academic year. Last year costs increased by 4.7 percent.

Please contact us at 1-800-527-6577! We will review your special circumstances and determine if any adjustments can be made.

Need-based grants (eligibility determined by the FAFSA), merit-based scholarships (based on your admission application), student and parent loans, and work study are all forms of financial assistance.

Clarkson offers athletic scholarships for men's and women's NCAA Division I ice hockey. Clarkson also has 16 Division III teams. NCAA regulations prohibit awarding athletic scholarships to Division III athletes, and we cannot consider athletic talent when awarding grants and scholarships.

We will not reduce our scholarship/grant offer if you receive outside scholarships, unless the total amount of your scholarship money from all sources exceeds Clarkson's cost.  ROTC scholarships are not designated as outside scholarships and your Clarkson awards may be adjusted to accommodate room and board incentives.

For Clarkson Grants and other Clarkson need-based aid, as long as there have been no significant changes in your family's situation, you may expect to received the same amount each year. Federal and State Grants are based on statutory regulations and are subject to change. Non-need based Clarkson scholarships are renewable for up to 8 semesters. For all aid, students must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress. Some scholarships (i.e. Merit Scholarships) have higher GPA requirements.

Title IV funds refers to various types of federal student aid including Federal Direct Loans, Pell Grants, SEOG, the Federal Direct PLUS Loan, and the Perkins Loan.

Yes, we request that you complete the form.  Even if you do not want to take advantage of federal aid at this time, you may wish to in the future.

April 15th is the recommended filing date.

June 1 is the recommend deadline for anyone selected for verification. However, we suggest that you submit all required "To Do" verification documents as soon as possible, since a financial aid package cannot be prepared for you until verification is complete. If you filed your FAFSA after April 15, we ask that you submit any required documents within 30 days. If you do not submit your documents within 90 days or by the first day of classes, we will assume you are no longer interested in federal or Clarkson need-based aid.

All required documents are listed on your myCU account within your "To Dos" widget. Check this list of "To Dos" often. If your "To Dos" indicate a form you need to submit, there will be a link available to the form. All forms can be found on our forms site. If you have questions or need additional clarification, please contact Student Achievement Services.

Clarkson understands that some families may have changes or special circumstances that should be considered when calculating financial need. We are committed to considering all facts and assisting families however we can. If you feel you have a special circumstance or have had a family change since filing your FAFSA, please submit the Special Circumstance Appeal Form. We are unable to consider consumer indebtedness as a special circumstance as families make different choices that result in various amounts of consumer debt.

Although Clarkson’s funding is limited, your appeal will be considered. Please contact your Student Achievement Specialist.

Offices are encouraged to post their student employment opportunities on the Handshake website. Jobs are filled quickly, so you need to be proactive. Other opportunities that might not be listed on Handshake include Sodexo, athletics and custodial services.

Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Financial Aid to retain eligibility for federal, institutional and, if applicable, New York State aid (TAP). SAP for Financial Aid is different from academic standing. It is important for all students to review the policy. If you have questions, contact your Student Achievement Specialist.

Title IV funds refers to various types of federal student aid including Federal Direct Loans, Pell Grants, SEOG, the Federal Direct PLUS Loan, and the Perkins Loan.

Yes, we request that you complete the form. Even if you do not want to take advantage of federal aid at this time, you may wish to in the future. 

Student Authorization of Title IV Funds Form

Yes, work study earnings are taxable income. If you are required to file an IRS federal tax return, you need to claim your work study earnings.