Undergraduate Transfer Admissions

Ignite Your Future

We say that no one arrives at Clarkson University by chance. And for transfer students like yourself, you’re looking for a school that not only recognizes your unwavering drive but also embraces your ideas and gives you the tools to uncover novel solutions.

Here, students do more than observe and discuss theories. They make discoveries, whether conducting research alongside faculty in our labs, pushing the boundaries of science and engineering on our SPEED teams, learning from established professionals in the field or expanding their perspective abroad. These experiences go beyond enrichment: they’re the catalyst for the start of your career and transform you from a curious investigator into a can-do problem-solver.

For our transfer students, we immerse you in our collaborative culture of innovation from the get-go, showing you the ropes and all the resources and support Clarkson has to offer. Discuss next steps with your advisor and get mentorship as you adjust to life as a Golden Knight. Along the way, we hold various transfer-specific events, from visits and orientation to career fairs, where you can meet others like you — eager, ingenious and ready to explore.

As you progress from an associate degree, search for your community or follow the structure of your 3+2 program, learn more about Clarkson, how to apply and what to do once you’re admitted.

Have questions? We have answers. Reach out to your admissions counselor or contact the Office of Undergraduate Transfer Admissions today with your inquiry.

Why Transfer To Clarkson

Every year, we welcome many talented transfer students to campus. They are here because they know Clarkson has so much to offer — unparalleled career opportunities, exciting hands-on experiences and a high-caliber college education. Plus, we make sure the transfer process is as smooth as possible. Come join us.

Why Clarkson?

Important Admission Deadlines

July 1: Preferred deadline for Fall applicants
December 1: Preferred deadline for Spring applicants
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

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.

Journey of a Transfer Student

Read About Mara’s decision to transfer to Clarkson and her tips for other students considering transferring.

Read Blog

How to Apply as a Transfer Student

Whether you fill out Clarkson’s application or the Common App, you’ll need to be mindful of specific test score and transcript requirements based on credits earned at your previous institution. Need assistance? Reach out to your admissions counselor for more information. Please note that students who have attended college outside of New York State need to provide course descriptions with their application.

Start Your Application

Complete ONE of the applications listed below:

Common Application (online)

Clarkson Transfer Application (online)

Review Admission Requirements for Transfer Students

You will also need to submit the following supporting materials:

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 admissions unless the criteria below for credits is not met.

For Fewer Than 24 Hours of Credit

If you have earned fewer 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: SAT/ACT scores. If submitted, the scores will be taken into consideration during the admissions process. Clarkson also accepts self-reported test scores.
- Clarkson SAT code: 2084
- Clarkson ACT code: 2698

For International Transfer Students

Step 1: Complete one of the applications below

Step 2: Submit the following supporting materials

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 are not required but will be considered during the application review process. The recommendations can come from a professor, employer, former teacher, 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 must submit a final high school transcript. This is required for federal aid and will not be taken into consideration for admission unless you have earned fewer than 24 hours of credit at your current college or university. All transcripts should be translated.
Official English proficiency test scores, unless you are applying from a country with English testing waivers. Acceptable tests and minimum scores are:
- TOEFL: 80
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo English Test: 115
- PTE: 56

Step 3: Additional information for the application

If you have earned fewer than 24 hours of credit at your current college or university, you will need to submit:

Official high school record.
Test optional: SAT/ACT scores. If submitted, the scores will be taken into consideration during the admissions process. Clarkson also accepts self-reported test scores.
- Clarkson SAT code: 2084
- Clarkson ACT code: 2698
If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you are likely going to need a student visa. For more information, please visit the International Center to learn more about this process.
To receive an I-20, you will need to show proof of financial support. There are two ways to do that:
- Complete and return the Certificate of Finance Form. This will appear on your checklist in the admission portal.
- Provide a certified letter from your sponsor indicating the amount of support available for each year along with a supporting letter from a bank official.

Transfer-Specific Financial Aid & 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 online.

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.

More About Financial Aid