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 public research university, selective admissions, and engineering and business focus. 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

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

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.
Test Score Strategy
Because Clemson is test optional and your score falls below their 75th percentile, you are better off not submitting it and letting your GPA, course rigor, and activities carry your application instead.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Clemson University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. 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
Clemson University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch