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Clemson University

Clemson, SC·Public·22,778 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want a large campus community and in-state South Carolina residents. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $58,900 within 10 years; strong 88% graduation rate.

38%
Accept
22,778
Students
$22,112
Net Price
88%
Grad Rate
$58,900
Earnings
10 yr
$19,000
Debt

About This School

Clemson University is a public institution located in Clemson, South Carolina with approximately 22,778 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 38% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $22,112 per year. The graduation rate is 88%, and the typical graduate earns $58,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

Clemson University is a public land-grant research university near Clemson, South Carolina, United States. Founded in 1889, Clemson is the second-largest university by enrollment in South Carolina. For the Fall 2025 semester, the University enrolled a total of 24,060 undergraduate students and 5,485 graduate students, and the student/faculty ratio was 16:1.

This is a strong option for students who want a well-rounded public university experience with real outcomes to back it up — an 88% graduation rate and median earnings of $58,900 a decade out suggest students are finishing and finding solid footing. At $22,112 average net price and only $19,000 median debt at graduation, the financial picture is notably reasonable for a school of this caliber. The 38% acceptance rate makes it moderately selective, so it's not a guaranteed admit, but for prepared in-state and out-of-state applicants, the value proposition here is genuinely hard to argue with.

Founded
1889
Setting
Midsize suburb
Conference
Atlantic Coast Conference

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing23%
Engineering18%
Biological Sciences9%
Health Professions7%
Social Sciences7%
Psychology7%
Computer Science4%
Education4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Nikki HaleyDolph LundgrenJohn EdwardsJames F. ByrnesStrom ThurmondOguchi OnyewuJo JorgensenGigi FernándezJames Michael TylerStuart HoldenShawn WeatherlyShawn Crawford

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1341
Reading 75th %ile690
Math 75th %ile700

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite30

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$15,554
Out-of-State Tuition
$39,498
Avg Net Price
$22,112
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants15%
Median debt at graduation$19,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
88%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
93%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$58,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$48,100
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$58,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White76%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (22,778 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Clemson University

201 Sikes Hall

Clemson, SC 29634

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in South Carolina

Browse all South Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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