Clemson University is a public 4-year college in Clemson, South Carolina with 23,300 undergraduates. It admits 38% of applicants, costs an average of $22,032 a year after grants and graduates 88% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Clemson University acceptance rate and admissions
Clemson University admitted 38% of applicants for fall 2024, about 1 in 3. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
SAT total
1240 to 1410
4001600
ACT composite
28 to 32
136
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 620 to 700, math 620 to 710). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Clemson University application deadlines 2026-27
Round
Deadline
Early action
Oct 15, 2026 (passed)
Regular decision
Jan 1, 2027
Next deadline: Regular decision, Jan 1, 2027. Application fee through the Common App: $70 for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Clemson University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Clemson University tuition, cost and net price
Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26)
$15,854
Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26)
$42,378
On-campus housing and food (2025-26)
$14,224
Total cost of attendance (2024-25)
$35,250
Average net price after grants (2024-25)
$22,032
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $22,032 a year after grants and scholarships, $13,218 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Clemson University graduation rate, earnings and debt
88%finished within 6 years94%came back for year two18%get a Pell Grant
88% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
Former students earned a median of $79,064 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
Students who completed left with a median of $19,500 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Clemson University$79,064
South Carolina median, public 4-year$53,988
U.S. median, public 4-year$59,509
Debt compared
Clemson University$19,500
South Carolina median$21,847
U.S. median$19,500
Median debt is 25% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Clemson University majors and what graduates earn
Clemson University awarded bachelor's degrees in 67 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from information science ($105,646).
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Clemson University
110 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
What is the acceptance rate at Clemson University?
Clemson University admitted 38% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Clemson University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $15,854 for in-state students and $42,378 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $22,032 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Clemson University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 620 to 700 in reading and writing and 620 to 710 in math, and 28 to 32 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Clemson University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Clemson University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Clemson University?
88% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Clemson University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $79,064 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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