Clarkson University is a nationally-ranked research university and the institution of choice for more than 4,600 enterprising, high-ability scholars from diverse backgrounds who embrace challenge and thrive in a rigorous, highly collaborative learning environment. The university adds value to students’ education by partnering with leading businesses, industries and thought leaders to bring relevance to the challenges and needs of a modern world in which the boundaries of knowledge, discipline, nations, and cultures blur.

Clarkson encourages students to question the status quo, push the limits of what is known, and to apply their ingenuity to develop fresh solutions to real-world challenges. For more than 120 years, graduates have achieved extraordinary professional success, risen to societal challenges, and advanced the global economy ethically and responsibly. Among its 44,000 alumni, one in five is a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.

The university offers over 95 programs in engineering, business, arts, sciences, education and health professions that lead to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, and advanced certificates. Through the intentional integration of academic, research and social life with own personal passions, the Clarkson educational experience provides students with the knowledge and skills to achieve their goals and earn positions of leadership within their chosen profession.

Founded in 1896 to honor Thomas S. Clarkson, the University's main campus is located in the “college town” of Potsdam, New York on a historic 640-acre wooded homestead in the foothills of the Adirondack Park. With three other universities nearby, Clarkson community members enjoy a constantly changing social and intellectual quality of life largely influenced by our proximity to the north slope of the Adirondacks, easy drives to Lake Placid as well as Ottawa and Montreal, Canada, and a high level of regional camaraderie to encourage innovative partnerships in small business development, arts, tourism, recreation, agriculture and green energy