Financial Aid
Invest in 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
Find cost and aid information based on your student category:
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
Understand your aid. Plan for remaining costs.
Financial aid can include different kinds of support. Understanding the difference helps you see both your net cost and the options available for meeting remaining expenses.
- Grants and scholarships reduce your cost and generally do not require repayment, provided you meet their conditions.
- Student employment provides earnings through work; it is not an upfront reduction in your charges.
- Loans provide borrowed funds that must be repaid under the loan’s terms.
Explore the opportunities and requirements for your student category, then review how each part of your financial aid offer affects your budget.
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.
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