Clemson University
About Clemson University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Clemson University is a public research university in Clemson, South Carolina. It is known for its strong engineering, business, and agriculture programs and has a passionate sports culture with its ACC football program. Clemson offers a traditional Southern college-town experience.
Founded
1889
Location
Clemson, South Carolina
Students
28,976
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
38.3%
Selective
Graduation Rate
86.6%
Above national average
In-State Tuition
$15,554
Out-of-state: $40,866
Avg Net Price
$22,253
After financial aid
SAT Average
1353
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$71,513
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
38.3 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$70
Early
Oct 15
Regular
Jan 1
Clemson University accepts 38.3% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1353 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1353/ 1600
ACT Scores
30/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
86.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
93.5%
4-Year Grad
65%
6-Year Grad
85%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
87.6%
$/Student
$14.6K
Class Size
Medium
While 65% finish in 4 years, 93.5% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$15,554
In-State
$40,866
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,284
Books & Supplies
$1,456
Total Cost of Attendance
$35,015
After Financial Aid
$22,253
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$13,607
Receive Grants
14.8%
Take Loans
31.2%
The full cost of attendance is about $35,015/yr for in-state students, including $13,284 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $22,253. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $40,866.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Clemson University fund their education.
While in School
14.8%
Get Grants
Free money
31.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$78,377
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$228/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 31.2% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Clemson University.
Gender
54.3%
Female
46%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
23,300
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
5,676
Graduates
17.2%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
2.4%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (54% women, 46% men). 17.2% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
23,300
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Beautiful lakeside campus in the SC foothills
- +Tiger football creates incredible school spirit
- +Strong engineering at affordable public tuition
- +Tight-knit, friendly campus community
Cons
- -Clemson is a small, isolated town
- -Greek life dominates social scene
- -Car is essential for off-campus activities
- -Hot and humid South Carolina summers
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Clemson University fields 12 varsity teams with 676 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Atlantic Coast
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
676
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
54% / 46%
362
Men
314
Women
7
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Clemson Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$71,513
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$47K
445 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$48K
361 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$32K
358 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$31K
299 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$59K
280 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$74K
235 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $58K at six years, $54K at eight, and $72K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Clemson University
What is the acceptance rate at Clemson University?▾
How much does Clemson University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Clemson University?▾
How much do Clemson University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.