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CU • Student Achievement Services (SAS)

SAS FAQ's

What is my $500.00 Deposit for?
All Undergraduate Students are required to pay a $500.00 Admissions Deposit to reserve your place in a Clarkson University Class. The $500.00 Admissions Deposit is credited toward your first semester’s tuition.  Please note, that Admissions Deposits are non-refundable if you decide not to enroll at Clarkson University.

Who do I talk to about Housing Assignments and Meal Plans?
All questions pertaining to housing, room assignments and Meal Plans should be addressed to Residence Life. Contact information may be found at the residence life website

What is the difference between the Knight Card and the Declining Balance?
The Knight Card is an optional account that can be used with campus vending machines and off campus merchants that includes but not limited to: University Bookstore, Subway, Jreck Subs, Kinney Drugs Stores. Potsdam Ponderosa, Sergi’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Big M Supermarket, McDonald's, Burger King, Arby’s Restaurant and many more. The Declining Balance is connected only to our campus dining service, with or without a Meal Plan.
Knight Card Website.
Contact Aramark for declining balance information at clarkson.campusdish.com 

What is the “To Do List”?
The “to do list” is a method of communication to the student pertaining to required or missing information or forms. This “to do list” is on their PeopleSoft Account under the Student Service Center. By clicking on “Click to complete” it will bring you to the item(s) that need to be completed. When available if you “click on complete” on an item it will allow you to complete the form online or will instruct you on how to complete the to do.

What is the difference between a Federal Direct Subsidized and a Federal Unsubsidized Loan?
Subsidized Loans (undergraduate students only) do not accrue interest while a student is enrolled in school at least half time.
Unsubsidized Loan accrues interest after the loan is disbursed. You are not required to pay the interest while in school.

What do I need to do to apply for my Federal Direct Loan?
Submit a FAFSA annually. www.fafsa.ed.gov 
All Students are required to accept, reduce or decline their loan(s). Returning students do so via self-service on their PeopleSoft Account. New students do so by returning their completed Financial Aid Notice (FAN).
All Federal Direct Loans require a student to complete an Entrance Counseling session online at www.studentloans.gov 
All Federal Direct Loans require a student to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) online at www.studentloans.gov 
The MPN is good for 10 years.
All Federal Direct Loans require the student to complete the Federal Title IV Form found under Financial Aid Forms 

Requirements for a parent to apply for a Federal Direct Parent Plus Loan are:
All Federal Parent Plus Loans require the student to submit a FAFSA annually.
Federal Direct Plus Loan can be applied for online at www.studentloans.gov. 
All Plus Loan borrowers will need to complete a Plus Master Promissory Note by selecting “Complete MPN” under the Master Promissory heading and then choose Parent Plus. www.studentloans.gov 

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Schools at Clarkson

  • Graduate School
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  • David D. Reh School of Business
  • Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering
  • Earl R. and Barbara D. Lewis School of Health Sciences
  • Institute for a Sustainable Environment
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  • Institute for STEM Education
  • Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries

Highlights of Excellence

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Clarkson University

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80 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, NY 12308 518-631-9831
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