Undergraduate Transfer Admissions
125 Years of Leadership in Transformative, Technological Education
As a private, national research university, Clarkson offers 90+ rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, the arts, education, the sciences and health professions at the bachelor’s, master’s and PhD levels.
Clarkson’s programs are driven by interdisciplinary research and collaboration, paving the way to innovation and real-world solutions. We offer various programs that are research-focused and professionally focused so individuals can accomplish their goals, whether they’re academic or career-minded.
Students who choose Clarkson come here with purpose: to advance their expertise and skillset, to explore ideas that propel society and to build meaningful careers. Clarkson students graduate ready to make their mark.
Applying for Undergraduate Programs
Complete ONE of the Transfer Student Applications listed below:
- Clarkson Transfer Application (online)
- Quick App (online)
Please submit all of the following materials according to Clarkson’s admission dates and deadlines:
- Dean of Students Recommendation Form* needs to be completed prior to enrollment
- Official transcripts from each college or university you have attended. (If you attended college outside of New York State, please provide course descriptions.
- Letters of recommendation. While not required, Clarkson will consider recommendations during the application review process. These recommendations can come from a professor, an employer, a former teacher, a coach or another professional.
- Personal statement (250-500 words) describing a special interest, experience, or achievement that is important or meaningful to you.
- All transfer students are REQUIRED to submit a final high school transcript. This is required for federal aid and will not be taken into consideration for admission, unless the criteria below for credits is not met.
If you have earned less than 24 hours of credit at your current college or university, you will also need to supply the following information:
- Official high school record
- Test Optional-Official SAT/ACT scores, if submitted the scores will be taken into consideration during the admissions process. Clarkson’s SAT code is 2084 and our ACT code is 2698.
Credit Evaluation
Once you’re accepted, a relevant academic department will review your previous coursework and decide how many credits you will need to complete your degree at Clarkson. The faculty member who completes this evaluation will determine how many credits will transfer into your chosen degree program and outline a suggested course schedule for your first semester. In most cases, credit evaluations are completed and sent out to transfer students within two weeks of acceptance.
Important Admission Deadlines
- July 1: Preferred deadline for Fall applicants
- December 1: Preferred deadline for Spring applicants
* Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Request Info
Life at Clarkson
With some 3,000 undergraduate students on a wooded residential campus, Clarkson provides the atmosphere of a small, tight-knit community ideal for transfer students
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
Extracurricular activities are one of the best ways to get involved at Clarkson, whether it’s with one of our award-winning SPEED teams like Baja SAE, Concrete Canoe or FIRST Robotics; professional societies like SWE (Society of Women and Engineers) or The Outing Club; a fraternity or sorority; an athletic team or a community service club. Clarkson is home to over 200 student clubs and organizations, so it’s safe to say you’ll find something you enjoy. Or, you can always start your own club!
HOUSING
All transfer students are guaranteed housing on-campus. We offer traditional residence halls (double and single rooms) as well as suites, apartments and townhouses. Also, new incoming transfer students can live off-campus if they are looking for a different student experience.
Clarkson Program Offerings
Clarkson offers 90+ rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, the arts, education, the sciences and health professions at the bachelor’s, master’s and PhD levels. Some of those are listed below.
| Accounting | Environmental Science and Sustainability |
| Biology | Finance |
| Biomolecular Science | Global Supply Chain Management |
| Business Administration | Law Studies |
| Chemistry | Marketing |
| Computer Science | Mathematics |
| Engineering and Management | Psychology |
For our full program list, click here.
Cost and Scholarships
Clarkson is committed to helping you afford higher education. The Financial Assistance Committee distributes aid to assist as many qualified students as possible. Nine out of 10 students at Clarkson receive some form of financial assistance through scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment. We also encourage students to explore federal, state and private scholarship and loan opportunities through their transfer office, state education departments, or the Internet.
Merit-Based Awards
Based on academic success and promise, these include Clarkson Merit Awards, Transfer Excellence Awards, Phi Theta Kappa, and Alpha Beta Gamma Scholarships.
Clarkson Transfer Ignite Presidential Fellowship
The Clarkson Ignite Presidential Fellowship program is a merit-based scholarship covering all tuition costs for one transfer student entering Clarkson each fall.
- First, apply to Clarkson.
- Second, on your Clarkson Application Status Page apply for The Clarkson Ignite Presidential Fellows program by March 1. We welcome you to submit a 2- to 3-minute video OR a 250-300 word statement on the following topic: Clarkson students seek to pursue their passions by starting college early. What passion(s) and interests will you bring to Clarkson? How will you positively impact the Clarkson community?
- Five (5) finalists will be selected and invited to interview before final decisions are made.
Alumni Connection Awards
- Holcroft Alumni Recognition Awards: Awards based on strong potential for success and the recommendation from a Clarkson alumnus/alumna. Awards are $500 per year—students can only receive one award, regardless of the number of recommendations. We suggest students contact alumni who know enough about them to provide a meaningful reference.
- Alumni Family Award: If you indicate on your application for admission that you have a brother, sister, aunt, uncle, or cousin that attended Clarkson, you may qualify for a $500 scholarship. Only one scholarship will be granted no matter how many alumni family members you have. *You may receive one Alumni Family and one Alumni Legacy award.
- Alumni Legacy Award: If you indicate on your application for admission that you have a mother, father, grandfather, or grandmother who attended Clarkson, you may qualify for a $1000 scholarship. You can only receive one Alumni Legacy Award no matter how many alumni legacy connections you have. *You may receive one Alumni Family and one Alumni Legacy award.
Honors Program
Scholarships for students selected for admission to the University’s Honors Program. Space for transfer students in the Honors Program is limited.
Need-Based Grants
To apply for need-based financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available from your transfer office, Clarkson’s Office of Transfer Admission, or online. Only U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens can complete the FAFSA form and be considered for need-based financial aid at Clarkson. If you do not know whether or not you are eligible to file the FAFSA form, please contact the Office of Transfer Admission.
Need-based grants include:
- Federal Grants
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Financing Options and Resources
For an overview of financing options, please refer to the Clarkson University Financing Plan Packet, which contains information about:
- Clarkson University’s Payment Plan
- Federal student loans
- Federal parent loans
- Alternative student loans
You can also check out these helpful resource websites:
- CollegeBoard.com College Financing Calculators
- New York State Higher Education Services Corp. (TAP)
- college.gov
Scholarship Searches
We encourage you to apply for additional 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. Please note, ROTC scholarships are not designated as outside scholarships and your Clarkson awards may be adjusted to accommodate room and board incentives.
Sources for scholarships include:
- Student and parent employers
- Online searches
Work Study
If you have financial need, as determined by the FAFSA, you are eligible to work under the Federal Work Study Program. You will have the opportunity to seek jobs at various sites on and off campus. Federal Work Study money is allocated to the University by the federal government and jobs are contingent upon funding. Once you find a job, you will be added to the University payroll and paid bi-weekly by check.
If you do not qualify for Federal Work Study, you may be considered for the University Work Program to work on campus.
Learn more about student employment once to come to campus and see job listings.
State Grants
New York Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and Scholarships are available for students that meet residence, income, academic, or other requirements, as established by state law. If you are from New York State, once you complete the FAFSA, your information will be forwarded to the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (NYSHESC). If you have never received a state award before, or if NYSHESC needs more information, you will be sent an Express TAP Application to complete.
An estimated NYS TAP award may be included as part of your financial aid awards, however the state’s notification is your official approved award. Some students may also be selected for state-sponsored awards such as the Academic Excellence Scholarship or the NYS Leaders of Tomorrow award.
More information about NYS financial aid programs is available here.
| Freshmen & Transfer | |
| Tuition | $58,058 |
| Fees | $1,340 |
| Room | $10,176 |
| Board | $8,076 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,560 |
| Personal | $900 |
| Transportation | $1,596 |
| Loan Fees | $68 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $81,774 |
| Direct Costs | $77,650 |
| Fixed Cost per Semester | |
| Tuition | $29,029.00 |
| Fees | $670 |
| Room | $5,088 |
| Board | $4,038 |
| Total Semester Fixed Cost | $38,825 |
| Room & Board Only per Year: $18,252 | |
**Total fixed costs apply to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Meet Your Admission Counselor/Get Your Credit Evaluation
Katy Collette
Associate Director of Transfer & Undergraduate Admissions
Clarkson University
kcollette@clarkson.edu
315-268-3716
Transfer Admissions
Holcroft House
Box 5610, 8 Clarkson Ave, Potsdam, NY 13699 USA
tradmission@clarkson.edu
315-268-2125