Clemson University is a public university in Clemson, SC with 31,228 students. At 38.0% acceptance, it's selective but accessible to students who meet the academic benchmarks. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Engineering, and Biological Sciences. Graduates earn a median of $71,513 ten years after enrollment.
With a 38.0% acceptance rate, Clemson University is a Match for students who meet the academic profile. If your GPA and test scores are at or above the school average, you have reasonable odds.
Your Profile
Clemson University Is...
What to Do
Meet academic requirements
Safety
Strong odds — apply with confidence
Slightly below average
Match
Apply — still realistic
Clemson University True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at Clemson. Families earning $0-30k pay around $13,607 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $27,922. 15% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Clemson enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $21,500, which is reasonable against the $58,311 typical early-career salary.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$13,607
$54,428
$30-48k
$14,109
$56,436
$48-75k
$18,851
$75,404
$75-110k
$24,833
$99,332
$110k+
$27,922
$111,688
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$12,872
Total Cost of Attendance
$35,015
Popular Majors at Clemson University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Business/Marketing
22.7%
Engineering
17.4%
Biological Sciences
8.7%
Social Sciences
7.2%
Psychology
6.6%
Health Professions
6.3%
Agriculture
5.3%
Computer Science
3.9%
Education
3.6%
Visual/Performing Arts
2.7%
Engineering Technology
2.2%
Parks/Recreation
2.0%
Student Demographics
White
76.1%
Black/African American
5.6%
Hispanic/Latino
7.7%
Asian
3.0%
International
1.8%
How to Get Into Clemson University
Clemson is a Match school for students with solid academics. If your GPA and test scores are at or above the school median, you have good odds of admission. Focus your energy on the application essay and making a genuine case for why Clemson fits your goals.
1310
Target SAT Score
30
Target ACT Score
38.0%
Acceptance Rate
60,122
Total Applicants
What Clemson University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Considered
Standardized Test Scores
Very Important
Application Essay
Important
Recommendation
Considered
Extracurricular Activities
Important
Talent Ability
Important
Character Personal Qualities
Important
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Considered
Interview
Not Considered
Work Experience
Considered
Volunteer Work
Considered
Clemson University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Clemson University EA admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Early Action
Nov 1
Regular Decision
Feb 1
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Mar 1
Early Action: Clemson University offers non-binding Early Action. Apply early for an earlier decision without committing — you can still compare offers.
Financial Aid & Student Debt
15.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$21,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$58,311
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About Clemson University
What is Clemson's acceptance rate?
Clemson has an acceptance rate of 38.0%, making it moderately selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for Clemson?
The middle 50% SAT range at Clemson is 1230-1390. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 28-32. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at Clemson?
The most popular majors at Clemson by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (22.7%), Engineering (17.4%), Biological Sciences (8.7%), Social Sciences (7.2%), Psychology (6.6%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do Clemson graduates earn?
Clemson graduates earn a median salary of $71,513 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is Clemson worth the cost?
With median earnings of $71,513 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $21,500, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making Clemson a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
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