About

About Clemson University

public research universityselective admissionsengineering and business focussouth carolina flagshiplarge campus community

Clemson University is a public research university in Clemson, SC, known for its engineering and business focus, south carolina flagship, and large campus community. With an acceptance rate of 43%, CU is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 4,588 students each year. CU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1250–1400, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. CU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $11,568 per year; the sticker price of $57,156 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Clemson University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

43%
Overall Accept Rate
1325
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1250 – 1400 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Clemson University

Application Strategy
Clemson places heavy weight on your GPA and the rigor of your high school curriculum, so make sure your transcript shows a strong upward trend in challenging courses like AP or IB classes, especially in your intended major's subject area.
Application Strategy
Clemson organizes admissions by college, so research the specific college you are applying to within Clemson, such as the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences or the College of Business, and reference that college's programs or faculty in your application to show you have a real plan and not just a general interest in Clemson.

Financial Aid & Cost

What Clemson University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$57k/yr$13.6k
30k-48k~$57k/yr$14.1k
48k-75k~$57k/yr$18.9k
75k-110k~$57k/yr$24.8k
110k+~$57k/yr$27.9k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

88%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$58k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
21,989
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

76%White
9%Hispanic
5%Black / African American
4%Two or More Races
3%Asian
2%Unknown / Unreported
1%International
0%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender46% Men · 54% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status99% Citizens and Immigrants · 1% International
CU, Clemson Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch