ic S/general/checkmark circled Thanks for subscribing! Be on the lookout for our next newsletter.
ic S/general/checkmark circled
Saved to My Favorites. View My Favorites
Colleges / Clemson University

Clemson University

Clemson, SC 4-Year Public
Acceptance Rate49%

Clemson Admissions

Clemson University is very difficult to get into. The acceptance rate at Clemson University is 49%. Out of 47,001 applications received in 2023, 23,137 students were offered admission.

If you are applying to Clemson University, the regular decision application deadline is May 1 and the application fee costs $70.

Students who submit their applications to Clemson University for fall should anticipate a decision by February 15.

Clemson University Admissions Stats at a Glance

Here's an overiew of some of Clemson University's admissions stats.

Clemson University 2023 Admissions Statistics
Admitted Students in Top 10% of Graduating Class 54.7%
Admissions Test Policy Test Optional
Applicants Who Submit SATs 40%
Waitlist Yes

Clemson University Application Deadlines

These are the application deadlines for Clemson University.

Application Type Offered Application Deadline Notification Deadline
Early Decision I Info Not Available
Early Decision II
Early Action No
Regular Decision Yes 5 1 February 15

Applying Early to Clemson University?


Clemson University may or may not offer early admission, however the school has not provided any application information. Check with Clemson University directly for more information about early applications.

➡️ Discover a list of some selective colleges that admit significantly more applicants during early decision or early action than during regular admission.


More on Clemson University Admissions


For applicants who are not residents of South Carolina, getting into Clemson University is moderately difficult.

Transferring to Clemson University

Transfer student admissions is moderately difficult.

For Students Waitlisted to Clemson University

In 2022, Clemson University waitlisted 9,865 students and 4,964 accepted a place on the waitlist. Of those, 11 eventually received an admissions offer.

What Does Clemson University Look For in an Applicant?

Colleges consider a range of factors when deciding who to admit for their next incoming class. Each college has a different way of determining which factors are are most important in the admissions process. When assembling your list of schools to apply to, you may want to consider your strengths and any possible weaknesses in your application, and apply to colleges that put the most emphasis on the areas where you're strong.

Admissions Factors at Clemson University

Wondering what factors are considered by Clemson University during the admissions process? Take a look at the list below to see which factors are most important during the admissions process.

Admissions Factor Level
Class Rank Very Important
Standardized Test Scores Very Important
State Residency Very Important
Academic GPA Very Important
Rigor of Secondary School Record Very Important
Alumni/ae Relations Considered
Application Essay Considered
Extracurricular Activities Considered
Recommendation(s) Considered
Talent/Ability Considered

Make sure to check with Clemson University for more information on admission factors.

Clemson University Application Requirements

To apply to Clemson University, all applicants must submit the following items. Check in with Clemson University's admissions department to confirm all application materials and requirements.

Area Required Recommended Required for Some Details (If Any)
Written Essay or Personal Statement
Interview
Transcript(S) of College Record
Standardized Test Scores
Statement of Good Standing From Prior Institution(S)
Transcript of High School Record

GPA and Testing


What GPA Do I Need To Get Into Clemson University?

Clemson University has not provided an information about GPAs of accepted students. Any questions regarding applicant expectations should be addressed directly with the school.

Out of all students that were admitted, 62% submitted a class rank. At Clemson University 54.7% of students ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class in high school, 87% were in the top 25% and 99.6% were in the top 50%.

GPAs of Admitted Students

At Clemson University, student GPAs fall in the following ranges.

GPA Percent of Students
4.0 GPA 77%
3.75 and 3.99 11%
3.50 and 3.74 7%
3.25 and 3.49 3%
3.00 and 3.24 1%
2.50 and 2.9 1%
2.00 and 2.49

This chart depicts the percentage of all enrolled, degree-seeking, first-time, first year (freshmen) students who had high school grade point average within the given ranges.

Note: Some schools choose not release this information. If you have any questions regarding missing numbers, be sure to reach out to Clemson University directly.

About GPAs

Your high school grade point average (GPA) is a number that highlights your high school academic performance. A weighted GPA or an unweighted GPA are the two possible GPA scores considered by colleges.

An unweighted GPA is an average of your scores from each class on a four-point scale. Unweighted GPAs range from 4.0 to under 1.0. A weighted GPA considers your average grade and the difficulty of your classes. A weighted GPA boosts your average by adding extra points for honors or Advanced Placement courses.

Standardized Test Scores

Clemson University is a test optional school. Test optional schools allow students to choose if they want to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications or not.

In 2022, 40% of Clemson University's first-year students submitted their SAT scores with their application.

What is a Good SAT Score for Clemson University?

To be competitive with other Clemson University applicants, you should aim to score between 1240 and 1400 (or higher!) on the SAT. At Clemson University 25% of admitted students scored higher than 1400 and 25% of scored lower than 1240, but the majority of students scored somewhere in between these two numbers.

On the SAT Math Section, 25% of Clemson University students scored 720 or higher and 75% of students scored 610 or higher. On the SAT Critical Reading section (formerly called the Verbal section), 25% of Clemson University students scored 700 or higher, and 75% scored a 610 or higher.

To be most competitive at Clemson University, you should strive to earn between 27 and 32 on the ACT.

An ACT score of 32 means you fall in the 75th percentile for Clemson University's admitted students. One out of every four students scored above a 32, and three out of four students scored lower than 32 on the ACT.

A 27 on the ACT is the 25th percentile for Clemson University students. Only one out of every four students scored below 27.

More Information on Transferring to Clemson University

For transfer students, it is moderately difficult to get admitted to Clemson University.

For transfer students wishing to start in the fall, the deadline to apply is July 1. Transfer applications are processed on a on a rolling basis as they are received.

Transfer students can enroll in Clemson University during the following terms:

• Fall Term

• Spring Term

• Summer Term


Clemson University Admissions FAQs


Can I defer my acceptance to Clemson University?

✅ Yes, admitted students can defer their admission to Clemson University.

Does Clemson University accept transfer credits?

✅ Clemson University accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited institutions.

Does Clemson University accept Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits?

✅ Clemson University accepts International Baccalaureate credits (IB) credits.

Do I have to submit test scores to Clemson University?

❌ No, Clemson University is test optional, so you can decide whether to submit your standardized test scores. If you have higher than average scores, you may want to send them. If your scores are average or below average, you it might make sense to leave them out of your application.

What is Clemson University's acceptance rate?

✅ Clemson University's acceptance rate is 49%.

What is the early decision acceptance rate at Clemson University?

🟨 Clemson University may or may not offer early decision. The school has not provided any information on early decision including ED acceptance rates.

Want To Learn More About Clemson University?

Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.

Overview

Student Life

Academics

Tuition & Aid

Connect with other students, parents, and admissions professionals to learn more about about Clemson University in the College Confidential forums

Explore other colleges in South Carolina or use the college admissions predictor to calculate your chances of getting into some of the top colleges and universities in the U.S.

Clemson Admissions Requirements

Admission Difficulty

Very Selective

49%

How hard is it to get into Clemson? Clemson is a very selective institution. The Clemson acceptance rate is 49%. This means that the institution accepts 49 out of every 100 applicants.

--

Clemson Application Deadline

First-Year Applications are Due

May 1

Transfer Applications are Due

Jul 1

The deadline for Fall first-year applications to Clemson is May 1.

The deadline for Fall transfer applications to Clemson is Jul 1.

Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs

Clemson SAT Scores

ic_reflect

Composite SAT Range

1240 - 1400

ic_reflect

Math SAT Range

610 - 720

ic_reflect

Reading SAT Range

610 - 700

Clemson GPA

Avg. High School GPA (non-weighted)

Not available

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

27,341

Campus Setting

Small Town

Acceptance Rate

49%

Tuition and Fees

In State

$15,120

Out-of-State

$39,064

Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline

May 1
Find Your Scholarship

Want to find money for school that doesn’t need to be paid back? Access insights and advice on how to search and apply for scholarships!

Search for Scholarship
Do You Work at a University?

Claim your page to customize your profile and connect with students!

Claim Free Account
ECE68226-946A-49FB-9EBE-25C918B98643
Need Advice or Have a Question About Clemson?

Connect with the world's largest college forum for candid, authentic discussion.

Join the Conversation