DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.3 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 100 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.29
CAMPUS · CLEMSON, SC · PUBLIC

Clemson University

Clemson University
38.0%
ACCEPT
01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International
78
FIT
MATCH
Clemson University is a match for most applicants.
Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.
ACCEPTANCE
38.0%
of 60,122 applicants
SALARY · 10-YR
$71,513
across all majors
01

Clemson University at a Glance

38.0%
Acceptance Rate
1310
Average SAT
30
Average ACT
31,228
Total Enrollment
$71,513
Median Salary (10yr)
$21,500
Median Debt
15.0%
Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for Clemson University

Test25th Percentile75th PercentileMidpoint
SAT Reading620690655
SAT Math610700655
SAT Total123013901310
ACT Composite283230

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received60,122
Students Admitted22,879
Students Enrolled4,494
Yield Rate19.6%

Clemson University Rankings

Ranking2025Year
US News National Universities #60 2025

Clemson University Overview

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.

Full NameClemson University
LocationClemson, SC 29634
TypePublic
Websiteclemson.edu/
Total Enrollment31,228
Undergrad Enrollment24,215
Female Students51.4%

How Much Do APs Matter at Clemson University?

50 AP Impact Score
AP Impact Score: 50/100

APs are considered but not decisive at Clemson University. Focus on GPA and overall application strength.

What Clemson University Values in Admissions (CDS Data)

From the Common Data Set — what Clemson University officially says matters in admission decisions.

FactorImportance
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

Best AP Classes to Take for Clemson University

Based on Clemson University's most popular majors and admission priorities, these AP courses are most valuable:

For Engineering (17% of students)
  • AP Calculus BC
  • AP Physics C: Mechanics
  • AP Physics C: E&M
  • AP Chemistry
For Biological Sciences (9% of students)
  • AP Biology
  • AP Chemistry
  • AP Statistics
For Social Sciences (7% of students)
  • AP U.S. History
  • AP Government
  • AP Economics (Macro/Micro)
For Psychology (7% of students)
  • AP Psychology
  • AP Statistics
  • AP Biology

AP Strategy for Clemson University Applicants

Aim for 5-8 AP courses
Clemson University wants to see that you challenged yourself. Focus on APs related to your intended major.
Score high for credit
Most colleges require a 4 or 5 to grant credit. AP credits can save you a semester of tuition — that's $15,000-$30,000 in real savings.
Match APs to your intended major
Admissions officers notice when your AP choices align with your stated interests.

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 IncomeAnnual Net Price4-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

The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.

Business/Marketing
22.7%
Engineering
17.4%
Biological Sciences
8.7%
Social Sciences
7.2%
Psychology
6.6%
Best Majors at Clemson University →

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.

FactorImportance
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

GPA Profile of Admitted Students at Clemson University

High school GPA distribution of enrolled freshmen, from the Common Data Set.

3.75+
95.8%
3.50–3.74
2.67%
3.25–3.49
1.02%

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.

DeadlineDate
Early ActionNov 1
Regular DecisionFeb 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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More About Clemson University

Clemson University Acceptance Rate Clemson University Tuition & Cost Transfer to Clemson University Clemson University Salary & ROI Clemson University AP Credit Best Majors at Clemson University Clemson University Housing International at Clemson University

Other Colleges in SC

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61.5% accept · Columbia

Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Clemson University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.