Clemson University: Academics, Admissions & Tuition Info
Learn about Clemson University. Read about its admission info, financial aid and degree programs to make an informed education decision.
About Clemson University
Founded in July 1893 with just 446 students, Clemson University was originally an all-male military institution called Clemson College. Clemson became a civilian, co-ed university in 1955. Over 50 years after its original founding, the school was renamed Clemson University as a result of its growing educational offerings.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Clemson 25th among the nation's top public universities for 2013. Bloomberg Businessweek magazine ranked Clemson's undergraduate business program 34th among top public national universities in 2012. Also in 2012, Kiplinger magazine rated Clemson 34th for offering value in public higher education for in-state students and 36th for out-of-state students.
Academics
Clemson University offered about 80 undergraduate programs and roughly 110 graduate degree options as of 2012. At the undergraduate level, the school offers Bachelor of Science programs in areas ranging from language and international health to wildlife and fisheries biology. Early childhood education and philosophy are two available Bachelor of Arts programs, and master's degree options include business administration and chemical engineering. Students can also pursue Ph.D. programs in veterinary science and automotive engineering, among other fields.
The school offers students a range of study-abroad options, including the Global Engineering Education Exchange, which can take students to countries like Singapore and Scotland. Research is at the forefront of Clemson's mission. Its research and development campuses include the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville, SC, and the Clemson University Advanced Materials Center in Anderson, SC.
Admissions
First-time freshmen and new applicants must supply official transcripts for all previous coursework in addition to official ACT or SAT scores. The university recommends that prospective students complete a college-preparatory high school curriculum before applying. Applicants may receive priority notification of their admissions status if they apply by December 1, but the final deadline for fall admission is not until May 1. The application fee is $65.
The university considers many factors during the evaluation process, including overall class ranking, standardized test scores, prior academic performance and the applicant's choice of major. Of the roughly 3,000 undergraduates admitted in Fall 2010, about 94% attended Clemson full-time, and 96% of them were 24 years of age or younger.
Applicants who wish to major in theater, music or professional golf management must demonstrate their skill in the appropriate field.
Tuition & Financial Aid
As of the 2011-2012 school year, tuition and fees at Clemson University were around $12,304 per academic year for South Carolina residents and $28,462 per year for non-residents. Books and supplies were estimated to cost just over $1,000 for 2011-2012, and students living on campus were expected to spend about $7,228 on room and board.
Scholarship opportunities for South Carolina residents include the $1,000 Trustee Scholarship and the Clemson Scholars award, which is valued at $2,500. Out-of-state students can benefit from the Clemson Non-Resident Grant of $2,500 and the Non-Resident Merit Scholarship, which can provide as much as $15,000.
| CLEMSON UNIVERSITY QUICK FACTS | |
|---|---|
| School Type | Public, 4-year** |
| Degrees Offered | Bachelor's, master's, doctorate, post-master's certificate programs** |
| Religious Affiliation | None** |
| Academic Calendar | Semesters* |
| School Setting | Town** |
| Student Body | Around 15,800 undergraduates and 4,100 graduate students in 2011** |
| Student Housing | several residence halls, fraternity/sorority living, and apartments* |
| ACADEMICS | |
| Schools and Programs | 8 colleges and schools; about 80 undergraduate degree programs; about 110 graduate degree programs* |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 18:1** |
| Most Popular Fields of Study by Degree Level (Number of Recipients) | In 2010-2011: Bachelor's: Business administration, general management (247) Master's: Business administration, general management (117) Doctorate: Mechanical engineering (15)** |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rates | For students beginning in 2003: 50% in 4 years 77% in 6 years 79% in 8 years** |
| ADMISSIONS | |
| Admission Rate | 58% in Fall 2010** |
| Entering Class Size | About 3,000 in Fall 2010** |
| First-Year Retention Rates | For undergrads beginning in Fall 2010: 90% (full-time students) 51% (part-time students)** |
| Middle 50% of SAT Scores for Admitted Undergrads | For 2010: Critical Reading: 550-650 Math: 590-680 Writing: 540-640** |
| Undergraduate Application Due Date | May 1* |
| Decision Notification Date | Mid-February or soon after* |
| TUITION & FINANCIAL AID | |
| Tuition | Undergraduate tuition and fees for 2011-2012 were roughly $12,304 for SC residents and $28,462 for non-residents** |
| Financial Aid Sources Available (Percentage of Freshmen Receiving It) | In 2010-2011: Federal grant aid (17%), state/local grant aid (60%), institutional grant aid (41%), federal loans (42%)** |
| Percent of Students Receiving Some Form of Aid in 2010-2011 | 85% of first-time freshmen** |
Sources: *Clemson University, **National Center for Education Statistics.
School Contact Information
- Address: Office of Admissions, Clemson University, 105 Sikes Hall, Box 345124, Clemson, SC 29634-5124
- Phone: (864) 656-2287
- Website: www.clemson.edu
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