Exceptional Education
St. Lawrence County is home to 5 highly regarded colleges and universities, 18 local school districts
and many vocational tech programs, offering outstanding education options from preK-12 and beyond.
• 15,334 Students
• 19 Public High Schools
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 88.7% Educational Attainment (HS or higher)*
• 3 Vocational & Technical Centers
IMPRESSIVE PRE-K TO 12 PERFORMANCE
When it comes to a quality K-12 public education, St. Lawrence County scores above average on the New
York State Education Department (NYSED) report card. Compared to their New York State peers, the
County’s students place higher graduation rates, and have more students graduating with either a
Regents or a Regents Advanced Designation diploma.
The Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) provides St. Lawrence County high school students
and adults with valuable career training to prepare for successful futures in the evolving global
economy.
A VIBRANT COLLEGE COMMUNITY
St. Lawrence County’s 5 award-winning higher educational colleges and universities prepare
students for a range of careers in all sectors of the economy.
Clarkson University
www.clarkson.edu
Clarkson University is a nationally ranked research university offering more than 50 comprehensive
programs in business, engineering, science, liberal arts, health sciences, and environmental studies.
Clarkson has an international reputation in the field of Advanced Materials Science, Biotechnology,
Environment & Energy, Entrepreneurship, and Global Supply Chain Management, and was recently named one
of the top ten colleges for producing engineers. 1
St. Lawrence University
www.stlawu.edu
St. Lawrence University, a private university, is a collaborative community of learners. This Liberal
Arts university is highly regarded for the flexibility of education tailored to each student. The
University’s multi-field major program allows students to design their own course of study.
2019’s most popular majors were Economics, Business in the Liberal Arts, Psychology, Government
and Biology. St. Lawrence University was named one of the best ‘hidden gem’ universities in
New York State. 2
State University of New York at Canton
www.canton.edu
Originally chartered in 1906 as the first postsecondary, two-year college in New York, SUNY Canton has
grown to become a leader in technology education. It’s home to the county’s Small Business
Development Center and CREST: Career Ready Education And Success Training, offering customized workforce
development training.
Students at SUNY Canton may cross-register with Clarkson University, St. Lawrence University, and SUNY
Potsdam.
State University of New York at Potsdam
www.potsdam.edu
SUNY Potsdam was founded in 1816, making it one of America’s first 50 colleges, and the oldest in
the SUNY system.
SUNY Potsdam is divided into three schools with more than 40 majors offered: Arts and Sciences, Music,
and Teacher Education.
SUNY Potsdam is home to the Crane School of Music, a world-renowned leader in music and music
education.
SUNY ESF Ranger School
www.esf.edu
Located in the heart of the six million-acre Adirondack Park, the SUNY ESF Ranger School in Wanakena
offers a unique educational experience in a spectacular natural setting. The 2,800-acre campus supports
the field-based education that is a hallmark of the ranger school, educating students for careers in
environmental conservation, forestry, and surveying.
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP
STL-CEL Core Program
www.canton.edu/CEL
The St. Lawrence County Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (STL-CEL) Core Program was established in
2019 to enhance the talents and operating abilities of practicing entrepreneurs.
This peer-based, mentor-driven program empowers its participants to overcome business challenges,
create new opportunities and develop meaningful connections within the business community. Meeting once
a week during the eight-month program, Core participants explore new methods for business growth in a
confidential, noncompetitive environment with assistance from fellow classmates, exceptional
facilitators and external business experts.
STL-CEL is a perfect example of the collaborative culture you’ll find for business in St.
Lawrence County. In response to the needs of local business leaders for professional development
programs and peer networking, the program was developed by members of the county’s Small Business
Working Group, representing SLCIDA, NYPA, STLC Chamber, Atlantic Testing Laboratories, SUNY Canton,
Clarkson University, SUNY Potsdam, St. Lawrence University, Point Positive, Community Bank NA, and St.
Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Office of Economic Development.
St. Lawrence County Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership: a program partnership with the University at
Buffalo School of Management Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and SUNY Canton.
—
1 IndustryWeek
2 College Raptor
* Educational attainment: 2014-2018 American Community
Survey 5-Year Estimates
