About Clemson University
The financial picture looks promising for most families. Students typically pay a net price of $22,112 after aid, less than the sticker price. Graduates earn a median salary of $71,513 within ten years, making the investment worthwhile for most. The median debt load of $21,500 translates to monthly payments of just $228, manageable given earning potential. Only 14.53% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting families can generally afford the costs without extensive federal aid.
Campus life revolves around Tiger pride and ACC athletics. The 92.83% retention rate indicates students find their fit quickly. With 55.56% of students coming from South Carolina, Clemson maintains strong in-state connections while drawing talent from across the region.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 80.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 86.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 87.9%
- Retention Rate
- 92.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $71,513
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $90,762 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Master | $84,653 |
| Real Estate. | Master | $78,343 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,721 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $74,576 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $74,262 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $69,079 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,592 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,995 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Master | $67,101 |
Campus Life
Students wake to mild winters that rarely require heavy coats and sweltering summers where shorts become the uniform. The 92.83% retention rate reflects how quickly newcomers embrace traditions like running down The Hill before football games and swimming in Lake Hartwell. With 17 varsity sports drawing 587 athletes and $14 million in athletic scholarships, game days transform the campus into an orange sea of Tiger fans. Engineering majors crowd the library during weekdays, but weekends belong to tailgates, intramural sports, and trips to nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. The semester system gives students time to settle into Clemson's blend of academic rigor and Southern hospitality.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 7,500 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1889
Campus Safety (2023)
52 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 18 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 12 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Arson | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 32°–53°F
- July Avg
- 68°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 52.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 2.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.0%
- Women
- 53.0%
- White
- 76.1%
- Black
- 5.4%
- Hispanic
- 8.7%
- Asian
- 2.8%
- In-State Students
- 55.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 14.5%
Location
- Address
- Clemson, South Carolina 29634
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $71,513
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $72,263
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $48,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 77.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Clemson University?
Clemson accepts 42.98% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1220-1410 on the SAT, reflecting the university's strong academic standards for its engineering and business programs.
How much does Clemson University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $22,112 across all income levels, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,212. With median debt of $21,500 and monthly loan payments of $228, Clemson offers solid value for a top-tier public research university.
What is Clemson University known for academically?
Clemson built its reputation on strong engineering programs and maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across 22,778 students. The university combines rigorous academics with practical research opportunities, contributing to an impressive 96.7% employment rate after graduation.
What are the career outcomes for Clemson University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $71,513 ten years after graduation, well above the national average. The 87.90% six-year graduation rate and 77.55% loan repayment rate demonstrate strong career preparation, particularly in engineering and business fields.
Where is Clemson University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in the midsize suburb of Clemson, South Carolina, housing 7,500 students in on-campus facilities. With 17 varsity sports and $14 million in athletic scholarships, Tiger athletics dominate campus culture, especially the nationally competitive football program.
How successful is Clemson University's football program?
The Tigers compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference and have achieved recent national championship success under notable alumni like coach Dabo Swinney. With 587 total athletes and strong community support, football serves as a major source of school pride and national recognition.
