Clemson, SC Overview
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina, Clemson University is known for its strong engineering and agricultural programs. The university is home to the Clemson Tigers, with a passionate sports culture centered around Memorial Stadium, affectionately known as "Death Valley." Clemson's campus features the expansive Clemson Experimental Forest, offering students unique research and recreational opportunities.
There are currently 22,467 undergraduates at Clemson and the school’s acceptance rate is 43%. The tuition at Clemson is $15,558 for in-state students and $39,502 for out-of-state.
State School
Suburb
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
22,467
Pell Grant 15%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 3%
Undergrad Students Over 25 3%
Percent Male / Female 47% / 53%
Ethnic Diversity at Clemson
77% White
8% Hispanic
5% Black
4% Multiracial
3% Asian / Pacific Islander
2% Unknown
1% International / Non-Citizen
Academics Snapshot
Student/Faculty Ratio
16:1
Graduation Rate
85%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Business, Management, & Marketing
21%
21% of graduates
Engineering
20%
20% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
9%
9% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
7%
7% of graduates
Social Sciences
6%
6% of graduates
Psychology
6%
6% of graduates
Agriculture & Agriculture Operations
5%
5% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
4%
4% of graduates
Education
3%
3% of graduates
Engineering
3%
3% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
2%
2% of graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies
2%
2% of graduates
English Language & Literature
2%
2% of graduates
Architecture
2%
2% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
1%
1% of graduates
Physical Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
1%
1% of graduates
Mathematics
1%
1% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
Scholarships & Financial Aid Snapshot
$34,750
$36,261
$22,433
Cost Breakdown
In-State
In-State Estimated Cost:
$34,750for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Out-of-State
Out-Of-State Estimated Cost:
$58,694for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Since Clemson is a public university, there are different costs for in-state students and out-of-state students. The sticker price at Clemson is $34,750 for in-state students in SC, and $58,694 for out-of-state students. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Clemson would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
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Clemson University Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at Clemson University need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for Clemson University is 003425.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
National Merit Scholarships
If you scored exceptionally high on the PSAT/NMSQT, you may have been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Did you know that this distinction could earn you a scholarship at Clemson University? Clemson offers scholarship money to National Merit Scholarship Finalists, although terms may vary. Some schools require you to list them as your first choice in order to receive the benefit, and others may impose additional need-based or academic requirements. Be sure to check Clemson's website for more information!
Pell Grants at Clemson University
13% of students at Clemson University receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Clemson University.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Clemson students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Clemson University Financial Aid Resources
If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at Clemson or have questions that are specific to your personal situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!
Here’s how you can get in touch:
- Website: https://www.clemson.edu/financial-aid/
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 864-656-2280
Admissions Snapshot
43%
30
Coalition Colleges
Clemson is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to Clemson via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Is Clemson test-optional?
Clemson University is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
Early Action
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Clemson?
Students must apply by January 3 to enroll at Clemson during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
And if you’re considering applying Early Action at Clemson, remember that the deadline is October 15.
Should I apply Early Action at Clemson?
Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.
Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.
Student Outcomes Snapshot
Graduate Income
$71,513
Median Debt $21,500
Debt 10 years after graduation $228
Graduation Rate 85%
What is the graduation rate at Clemson University?
85% of students who start at Clemson University end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 27% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Clemson University go on to earn?
10 years after starting school at Clemson University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $71,513. This is $21,122 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Clemson take out in loans?
Graduates of Clemson have to take out a median of $21,500 in federal student loans. This is $8,000 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
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