Clarkson University
Clarkson University maintains stable financial health with growing assets, though executive compensation reporting is unclear.
EIN: 150543659 · Potsdam, NY · NTEE: B430 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Clarkson University Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Clarkson University directs 75% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Clarkson University
Clarkson University (EIN: 150543659) is a nonprofit organization based in Potsdam, NY, classified under NTEE code B430. The organization reported total revenue of $278.0M and total assets of $464.1M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Clarkson University's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Clarkson University with a Mission Score of 75 out of 100 (Good). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 15%
- programs: 75%
- fundraising: 10%
According to IRS 990 filings, Clarkson University allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 75%, fundraising: 10%. With 75% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The consistent reporting of 'Officer Comp=0%' across all filings is highly unusual for an institution of Clarkson University's size and revenue, suggesting that executive compensation is either not reported in this specific field or is categorized under other expenses, which could impact transparency.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Clarkson University's IRS 990 filings:
- Unclear reporting of executive compensation ('Officer Comp=0%' for an organization of this size is highly unusual and warrants further investigation).
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Clarkson University:
- Consistent asset growth, from $391 million in 2014 to $480 million in 2023, indicating financial stability.
- Generally balanced revenue and expenses over the past decade, suggesting sound operational management.
- Healthy asset base ($480,841,124 in 2023) relative to liabilities ($129,011,661 in 2023), indicating strong solvency.
Frequently Asked Questions about Clarkson University
Is Clarkson University a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Clarkson University (EIN: 150543659) some concerns. Mission Score: 75/100. 1 red flag identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does Clarkson University spend its money?
Clarkson University directs 75% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Clarkson University tax-deductible?
Clarkson University is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 150543659). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How is executive compensation for Clarkson University's officers truly reported, given the 'Officer Comp=0%' across all filings?
The provided data consistently shows 'Officer Comp=0%', which is atypical for an organization of this scale. It suggests that executive compensation might be reported under different expense categories within the full IRS 990 form, or that the summary data provided does not capture this detail. Further investigation into the full 990 would be needed to understand how executive compensation is accounted for.
What is the detailed breakdown of Clarkson University's functional expenses (program, administrative, fundraising)?
The provided summary data does not offer a detailed breakdown of functional expenses. To assess spending efficiency accurately, a deeper dive into the full IRS 990 form would be required to see the allocation between program services, management and general, and fundraising expenses.
What caused the revenue dip from $262 million in 2022 to $233 million in 2023?
The provided data shows a decrease in revenue from $262,243,512 in 2022 to $233,432,357 in 2023. Without additional context from the full financial statements, the specific reasons for this nearly $29 million decline cannot be determined. It could be due to various factors such as enrollment changes, reduced grant funding, or investment performance.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Clarkson University showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Clarkson University's revenue has grown by 30.6%, moving from $178.7M to $233.4M. Total assets increased by 39.4% over the same period, from $344.8M to $480.8M. Total functional expenses rose by 49.1%, from $168.0M to $250.5M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Clarkson University reported a deficit of $17.1M, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $129.0M in liabilities against $480.8M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 26.8%), resulting in net assets of $351.8M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $233.4M | $250.5M | $480.8M | $129.0M | — | — |
| 2022 | $262.2M | $260.9M | $485.1M | $133.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $269.9M | $242.2M | $497.8M | $128.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $247.2M | $238.0M | $450.5M | $134.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $245.0M | $238.9M | $445.0M | $136.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $230.0M | $232.9M | $433.5M | $142.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $248.2M | $233.4M | $427.5M | $129.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $231.4M | $225.4M | $391.5M | $120.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $231.6M | $213.6M | $391.3M | $114.0M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $211.7M | $200.6M | $401.2M | $114.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $191.8M | $188.2M | $371.1M | $123.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $178.5M | $190.1M | $367.5M | $128.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $178.7M | $168.0M | $344.8M | $97.5M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $233.4M, expenses of $250.5M, and assets of $480.8M (revenue -11.0% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $262.2M, expenses of $260.9M, and assets of $485.1M (revenue -2.8% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $269.9M, expenses of $242.2M, and assets of $497.8M (revenue +9.2% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $247.2M, expenses of $238.0M, and assets of $450.5M (revenue +0.9% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $245.0M, expenses of $238.9M, and assets of $445.0M (revenue +6.5% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $230.0M, expenses of $232.9M, and assets of $433.5M (revenue -7.4% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $248.2M, expenses of $233.4M, and assets of $427.5M (revenue +7.3% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $231.4M, expenses of $225.4M, and assets of $391.5M (revenue -0.1% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $231.6M, expenses of $213.6M, and assets of $391.3M (revenue +9.4% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $211.7M, expenses of $200.6M, and assets of $401.2M (revenue +10.4% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $191.8M, expenses of $188.2M, and assets of $371.1M (revenue +7.4% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $178.5M, expenses of $190.1M, and assets of $367.5M (revenue -0.1% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $178.7M, expenses of $168.0M, and assets of $344.8M.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Clarkson University is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.