Founded in 1889, Clemson University. is a Public college. Located in South Carolina, which is a city setting in South Carolina, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 18,599 full time undergraduate students, and 4,807 full time graduate students.
The Clemson University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 18:1. There are 1173 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Clemson University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
50%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
70
SAT Range
1150-1340
ACT Range
26-31
Admissions at are considered Selective, with ,201% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 16 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
97% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 84% were in the top quarter, and 54% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Clemson University.
4%
“We”re apathetic”
31%
“We know about current events and vote”
60%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
5%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
17%
“Sometimes, but not often”
58%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
4%
“I only go out in groups”
27%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
68%
“I feel extremely safe”
1%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
3%
“We bought the gear”
96%
“We live for the big game”
15%
“It”s not really our thing”
30%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
49%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
7%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
6%
“Available in class”
58%
“They keep regular office hours”
32%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
9%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
77%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
12%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
4%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
15%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
49%
“We only party on weekends”
32%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
9%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
63%
“There might be people who do”
26%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
2%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
4%
“We”re apathetic”
31%
“We know about current events and vote”
60%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
5%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
17%
“Sometimes, but not often”
58%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
4%
“I only go out in groups”
27%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
68%
“I feel extremely safe”
1%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
3%
“We bought the gear”
96%
“We live for the big game”
15%
“It”s not really our thing”
30%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
49%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
7%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
6%
“Available in class”
58%
“They keep regular office hours”
32%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
9%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
77%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
12%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
329 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 15 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
195 Students rated off-campus housing 4.1 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
342 Students rated campus food 3.3 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
344 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 43 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
342 Students rated class size 4 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
342 Students rated school activities 4.4 stars. 59 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
344 Students rated local services 4 stars. 41 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
344 Students rated academics 4.3 stars. 55 % gave the school a 5.0.
Clemson University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Clemson University?
194 Students rated Clemson University
Kegan - 03/17/2025
Clemson University is a renowned institution known for its strong academic programs, research innovation, and school spirit. It provides students with hands-on learning opportunities, a close-knit community, and a vibrant campus culture, making it an excellent place for education and personal growth.
Erin - 03/12/2025
I have had a very good experience here! A very good school, with academic and social opportunities for everyone to get involved no matter your interests, Students come from a wide variety of states and backgrounds. There is always so much to do here and you will never get bored. Whether it is going to Clemson sports events, joining a club, studying abroad, eating and shopping downtown, or spending the day at the lake, there is so much to do.
Ella - 01/18/2025
I LOVE Clemson University. It has been my dream school as long as I can remember. The campus is beyond beautiful and the environment is always full of people pushing you to be your best. The professors want you to succeed and try their very hardest to always be there for you when you need them. Clemson has so many different ways that students are able to get involved whether it is sports, clubs, greek life, or religious groups, there are endless opportunities.
Anna - 11/17/2024
Clemson University is my favorite college as it is the best place to gain not only the technical skills needed to enter the career world but also a great place to get involved in the community and grow as a person. The downtown area is lively and the school spirit is so strong.
Owen - 10/07/2024
As a junior in high school, I toured Clemson University for the first time, after realizing they had a Construction Management program. As a visitor, it was great! Great sports culture, a clean campus, a safe campus, good food, and a great student body. The surrounding area loves the college and I can't wait to find out if I have been accepted!
Brooke - 06/19/2024
I am about to go into my freshman year at Clemson, but I already love the school! Every person I have met has been so friendly, and it really feels like such a family. I haven't heard anything bad about Clemson -- everyone always has something good to say. I feel really supported and valued as a student. I mainly chose Clemson because it has such a balance of academics and athletics, and I cannot wait to attend the school and go to my first Clemson football game!
m - 05/29/2024
There’s just something in these hills. There is absolutely nowhere else in the world like Clemson. I come from a long line of Clemson Alumni, and I hope that my daughter will continue the tradition. I met my very best friends there in my first week as a freshman. I know that my daughter will love it every bit as much as I did. Go Tigers!
Lawton - 04/25/2024
To start, Clemson is one of those places that you have to love when you visit for the first time. It's set in a great location in the upstate, surrounded by lakes with the Blue Ridge Mountains sitting in the background, especially as you walk toward the football stadium. This school obviously speaks for itself when it comes to athletics and sports. Perhaps maybe less well-known is that it's also a really great place to be for academics. This is especially true if you live military heritage or are interested in a STEM degree. Clemson ROTC is the best in the state and blows many other universities' programs out of the water. Many degree programs, such as the BS for Mechanical Engineering program, are recognized as one of the best in the nation. Arguably most important to note, however, is that people are very friendly in the upstate. Making friends at Clemson is much easier than many other places, especially with the presence of hundreds of clubs and fraternities/sororities. I 100% recommend going to Clemson over any other college if one of any of these things interest you.
Elizabeth - 03/07/2024
I love it and cannot wait to call Clemson home for the next 4+ years. I am really excited to continue my career at Clemson and make new and life long friends at Clemson. I have not seen any of he classes yet, but I have heard about them and can not wait to be able to learn and expand my knowledge at Clemson.
London - 12/28/2023
Clemson University is the school that I had always dreamt of but never new until very recently. Applying almost as a joke thinking I had no chance of being accepted, my experience since has been nothing short of amazing. The people, the culture, the education all have surpassed my expectations. Throughout my time so far, Clemson has proven to be a school full of opportunity and family, supporting all students who walk the campus.
Madisen - 12/18/2023
Clemson University is the most beautiful campus I have been on. When I stepped foot on site I immediately fell in love with the school and knew it was the place for me! Aside from how it looks, the school has unmatched students, professors, and staff on campus 24/7, and there is always a smiling face around! Classes are great and the atmosphere is comforting, and it is an amazing home away from home!
Rachel - 03/18/2023
Clemson University is a welcoming community for both in state and out of state students. I have friends from all over the United States, as well as friends and peers who have travelled internationally to attend Clemson. I am not a part of greek life, but I never feel left out like many of my friends at other colleges do if they do not take part in greek life. The sports culture is very important and there are many opportunities to be active even if you are not an athlete! One of my favorite things to do is walk by the rowing docks at sunset or watch the sailboats on the trails between lake Hartwell and the woods. All my classes are within walking distance from the dorms, but there are buses for students who are unable to walk to class. Many nights I walk home from my friends places and have always felt completely safe on campus!
Ava - 01/13/2023
I absolutely love Clemson. My entrepreneurship experience fuels my interest in working for a company focused on innovation and sustainability through a new way of thinking. The Calhoun Honors College at Clemson offers unparalleled opportunities for me to achieve this goal. One such opportunity is the EUREKA! research program, where I would like to conduct academic research on investment analysis for a groundbreaking company. Clemson has endless resources to help students like me achieve their dream.
Avery - 12/24/2022
I love this school! I went there for the senior band day and got to march with the band, and I had a blast! Everyone was so nice to me, and the campus is amazing! I also love how there's a strip of stores and restaurants on the campus and a lake with a beach! The school spirit is very present and I could feel it on the senior band day as I was marching in the parade.
Justin - 11/18/2021
I think it is a good school but its gonna be awbhile before i actually get to college. So im taking my time wiht looking for where i wanna go. In the next three years i will continiue my reseasrch on schools and hoepfully this is the one i choose. The tour overall was well i think ic ould have gotten around more.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Clemson University is 50%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
I would tell myself to study more, I never had to in high school and I wish I had tried more during my freshman year. I also wish I had participated in certain clubs from freshman year onwards, and maybe broken out of my shell a little more.
I would definitely recommend checking out your professors before signing up for their classes just because there are always duds at any school. I have had exceptional teachers as well as awful ones. The key is learning how to avoid the bad ones. Studying is a large element of campus life, just not on game days. Compared to most other schools I would say Clemson is more serious and more academically focused.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
Everyone goes to football games, no matter who we play. Not a large perecentage of the student body is greek, but there are definently benefits. I waited 3 semesters before going greek so I can say that while not greek, there is still plenty to do (house parties, bars, etc.), and if in a fraternity or sorority, you still can go to non-greek parties, you just have a group to go to Carolina Cup with, and formals to go to.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
The reason that I picked Clemson University over other schools that I was accepted to was because it has a large population but not too spread out. On my visits it seemed to me that everyone was just a little happier. The weather here is great, and I liked there industrial engineering program. And last but certainly not least, Clemson has a lot of good sport team, GO TIGERS!
What kind of person should not attend this school?
Someone who isn't career oriented. Someone who lacks motivation to succeed in life. Someone who only wants to attend college based on what television portrays. Someone who is not interested in school.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
I wish i had known that clemson's social environment was based mostly on greek affiliation. there aren't too many other options. I also wish i had know about the lack of diversity within the campus and the high degree of conservativism. These southern born individulas aren't very open minded with religion and politics which can be offensive. I didnt know that a lot of people leave Clemson on the weekends either to get away after football season is over.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
The thing that I like least about Clemson is first is you need a car to get to Wal-Mart and the general engineering class. The first general engineering class was worthless; I can convert units and plug variables into equation. My professor was also worthless as it seemed he did not know any more than we did.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
If change is the only constant, then Clemson’s nursing program is extremely consistent. Each semester, a group of student liaisons meet with the dean of the nursing school to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the current program and discuss potential modifications that can be implemented to benefit future nursing students. The faculty’s receptivity/responsiveness to student feedback has spawned a program that continually evolves into a more effective institution. By embracing the necessity of change during the pursuit of academic excellence and recognizing the value of student contributions, Clemson Nursing provides the highest caliber of education possible.
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
It is thought that Clemson is surrounded by cows. However, this is not true. There is a beef farm and a dairy farm associated with the school. Clemson was established as an agriculture school and it is a major part of the school's history. Clemson also has a swine, horse, sheep, and poultry farm associated with it. Clemson also has a great engineering school, so we're more than just cows and crops today!
I wasn't sure where I wanted to go, but after visiting Clemson, I fell in love with the school. There is a great downtown area and the campus is beautiful. One of the selling factors was definitely the lake. Its gorgeous and will be wonderful once the weather warms up again. The people were very nice and overall it just seemed like a really fun place to be.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
92% of students attending Clemson University receive some sort of financial aid.
16% were awarded federal grants.39%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
