Undergraduate Cost Transparency
What could Clarkson cost your family?
The total billable costs for the 2027-2028 academic year is approximately $85,000—but everyone receives some kind of aid. In fact, most families pay less than 60% of the billable costs to attend Clarkson.
The ranges below provide an early look at estimated annual net costs for Fall 2027 based on family income reported on the 2027-2028 FAFSA. Your individual package may vary depending on your eligibility for each source. Families MUST complete the FAFSA to realize the ranges below.
The ranges do not apply to:
- International students
- Clarkson School students
- Transfer students
- Non-residential students
- Employee Benefit, Tuition Exchange, HEOP and other special programs
YOUR TOTAL COST indicates what you will pay for Tuition, Fees, Room and Board after financial aid from all sources.
Once you've filed your FAFSA, our counselors can review your offer with you and help make a plan for covering your costs.
| Your family adjusted gross income | YOUR TOTAL COST |
| $80,000 or less | $21,000 - $37,000 |
| $80,001 - $120,000 | $30,000 - $40,000 |
| $120,001 - $150,000 | $35,000 - $44,000 |
| $150,001 - $200,000 | $40,000 - $48,000 |
| $200,001 - $300,000 | $44,000 - $51,000 |
| $300,000 and above | $48,000 - $54,000 |
A Breakdown of Clarkson's Cost of Attendance
| Billable Expenses | |
| Tuition | $63,442 |
| Fees | $1,542 |
| Housing (average) | $11,164 |
| Food | $8,782 |
| TOTAL BILLABLE COSTS: | $84,930 |
| Additional Estimated Expenses | |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, Equipment | $1,560 |
| Personal | $900 |
| Transportation | $1,596 |
| Loan Fees | $68 |
| TOTAL COSTS OF ATTENDANCE: | $89,054 |
Housing costs are based on a weighted average. Freshman housing is usually slightly less than the weighted average. For exact housing figures, please see our current housing rates webpage.
Total fixed costs apply to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. See costs and financial aid for international students for more information.
View Costs and Financial Aid for International Students Here
Resources for Students
Cost Transparency Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We are making every effort to make expected costs easier to understand. By sharing income-based cost information, we are helping you look beyond the published price and see what you may pay after grants and scholarships— even before you apply. Going forward, your individual financial aid offer will help you fully understand the assistance available to you and the expenses that remain.
The published price does not tell every family what a Clarkson education may actually cost. We want you to have a useful, transparent financial picture early enough to consider your options: the cost, the education, the opportunities, along with the fit for your goals.
Start with the expected-cost information, then use Clarkson’s Net Price Calculator for a more individualized estimate. These resources can help you plan before applying. An estimate is not a financial aid offer, but it can provide a useful starting point for a conversation with our admissions and financial aid teams.
The published price shows costs before financial aid. Your net cost is the amount remaining after grants and scholarships.Those costs include tuition, required fees and the housing and meal arrangements specified with the estimate.
Plan for expenses that may not appear on your Clarkson bill, such as books, supplies, transportation and personal expenses. Other costs may apply to your individual circumstances.
The ranges represent expected annual costs for the academic year. They are not the cost of your entire degree. All Clarkson awards are renewable each year provide Satisfactory Academic Progress (link to SAP) is maintained.
No. A published range is guidance for planning, not a guaranteed minimum, maximum or an individual financial aid offer. Your actual cost depends on the information reviewed for your financial aid eligibility, the grants and scholarships you receive, and your applicable expenses.
Families within the same income range do not necessarily receive identical financial aid offers. Income is an important part of the picture, but academic qualifications and individual aid eligibility can also affect the assistance a student receives. A range helps you begin planning while recognizing that your individual offer may differ from another student’s.
Contact your Clarkson Admissions Counselor so they can review the Financial Aid offer with you. Differences may involve financial information, aid eligibility, or an error that needs to be addressed.
No. Income helps organize the expected-cost information, but it does not determine every student’s final cost. Your academic profile, financial aid eligibility and the expenses included in your estimate also matter. The published ranges are a starting point for understanding your investment—Yes, you may still qualify for scholarships or other financial aid.
Yes. All admitted Clarkson students, including Out-of-state families, are eligible to receive Clarkson scholarships and other financial aid.
No. The ranges consider your AGI along with potential scholarships and institutional, federal and state grants. Loans offered as a part of your financial aid package are for consideration. Each family has the option to use loans to further reduce the cost of their education.
No. Net cost shows what remains after grants and scholarships; it is not a recommended loan amount. How your family exhausts the remaining balance depends on your available resources and the options you choose to consider. Please refer to the Clarkson Financing Packet for more information regarding financing options.
Contact our admissions and financial aid teams to discuss your concerns. We can help you understand the complete budget and explain available assistance or review options.
Compare the same expenses for the same period—not just scholarship totals. Include tuition, required fees, housing, meals and other expected expenses. Subtract grants and scholarships, and evaluate borrowing separately. Costs between schools often vary significantly. Your admissions counselor would be happy to review your different offers and provide feedback on next steps.
Clarkson’s admissions and financial aid teams can help you understand expected costs, review your financial aid offer, and identify the next steps for your circumstances. Bring your questions about grants and scholarships, remaining expenses and future-year planning. We want you to understand the investment before making your decision.