Clemson University (CU)

Set in a college town with a beautiful backdrop of lakeshore and mountains, Clemson University attracts students looking for a rigorous academic experience, world-class research opportunities, strong sense of community and vibrant school spirit. We invite you to pursue greatness here.

One of the country's most selective public research universities, Clemson was founded in 1889 with a mission to be a "high seminary of learning" dedicated to teaching, research and service. Today, these three concepts remain at the heart of the University and provide the framework for an exceptional educational experience.

At Clemson, professors take the time to get to know students and explore innovative ways of teaching. Exceptional teaching is one reason our retention and graduation rates rank among the highest in the country for public universities and why Clemson continues to attract a talented student body.

In 2023, 57 percent of incoming first-year students were ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school classes, and the middle 50 percent of reported SAT scores ranged from 1240 to 1400.

The University is committed to the success of its students. For the Fall 2022 class, Clemson's student retention rate was 93 percent. Much of this is due to the Academic Success Center (ASC), which is recognized nationally and internationally for its programs in collegiate learning. The ASC is housed in a 35,000-square-foot facility where it offers free one-on-one tutoring services for more than 80 courses as well as for additional courses as the need arises. Peer-Assisted Learning, academic skills workshops and academic coaching are also available free to all Clemson students.

Clemson has also received national attention for its innovative Creative Inquiry undergraduate research program, which is open to every student and provides hands-on experiences that often inform future career paths. Faculty mentors lead team-based investigations where students take the lead on innovative discoveries that help them stand out when applying to jobs and graduate schools.

From cheering on the Tigers at a football game to socializing at the Hendrix Student Center, Clemson students can participate in a wide variety of activities outside the classroom. There are more than 600 student clubs and organizations on campus, from fraternities and sororities to international groups, military organizations, religious, service, sports, fitness, performing arts and much more.

As a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, Clemson boasts 21 NCAA Division I athletic teams. Admission to regular-season events played on campus is included in University fees for full-time students, including football, basketball, soccer, baseball, cross-country, track and field, golf, volleyball, softball, lacrosse, gymnastics, tennis and rowing.

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students and faculty whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others. Ranked among the top national public universities for 16 consecutive years, Clemson is dedicated to teaching, research and service. The return on investment a Clemson degree affords has led to the University's consistent rank as a best-value school by publications including The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, Kiplinger Money and Forbes.

At Clemson, school spirit is a color—Solid Orange—and it's hard to miss on fall Saturdays in Death Valley when more than 80,000 fans cheer on the Clemson Tigers. Take a walk through campus on any night, and you'll see the campus alive with students playing intramural sports, going to concerts, attending Greek mixers or gathering to meet with any of Clemson's 600+ student organizations.

You don't have to be on Clemson's campus for very long to recognize the "family atmosphere" that ripples through the entire university. Indeed, although it's a large, public institution, Clemson still manages to generate a "small-town feel" and a culture where "everyone has everyone else's backs." Of course, it's also easy to socialize when you have peers who are "extremely nice and polite." One undergrad further explains, "The student body is much more relaxed than most; few political or social controversies are on our campus, and school spirit is high." However, they are serious about their academics with numerous undergrads sharing that their classmates are "dedicated to their studies."Given that Clemson is located in South Carolina, it's none too surprising to learn that a number of students here have "southern roots." And while many undergrads also acknowledge that their peers are "predominantly white," they are quick to assert that "diversity among races, ethnicities, and genders is growing." This student notices the effort, sharing that his classmates "come from all different places and backgrounds." Despite coming from different backgrounds, what brings these students together is "an abundance of school pride and love for [the] university." One student poetically concludes, "Our differences are strong, but I think it's the love of campus-the way we can see the mountains in the distance and breathe such fresh air, walk everywhere we need to be in 15 minutes or less, and the fierce spirit that we'll always call Clemson home-that unites us and makes us feel like old friends."

It's virtually impossible to be bored at Clemson University. "We all have multiple things that we are involved in," says one student, "whether it be clubs or jobs or going to sports games." Just what kind of organizations are available? Undergrads participate in everything from student government and mock trial to wiffleball club and Dance Marathon. Additionally, "intramural sports [are] very popular" with lots of people especially gravitating to spikeball. Greek life also has a large presence on campus, with some mentioning it "made their college experience very unique and made transitioning to college very easy."

When it comes partying, students say that "Clemson has more of a house party scene than a bar scene, especially before students turn 21." One individual further clarifies, "As a freshman, frat parties are the main source of 'going-out,' but this changes...once people live in apartments." Though if you're not a big partier, there's no reason to fret. It's just as common for students "to travel on the weekends, go to the lake or on nearby hikes, or find other activities."

The Center for Career and Professional Development (a collaboration between the Michelin Career Center, the Cooperative Education Program, and the University Professional Internship/Co-op Program) offers a full schedule of events and workshops throughout the year, including career fairs (for both specialized industries and general employment), mock interviews, career counseling, and professional development workshops. The Career Center is actively engaged in helping students find jobs, arranging recruitment sessions that are regularly posted on ClemsonJobLink, and helping students gain real-world experience (and often future job offers) through the co-operative education program. Additionally, the Clemson Tiger pride extends long beyond graduation, and Clemson’s alumni are “very involved with current operations of the University.” One student says, “I knew that once I graduate from Clemson, I would have no problem getting a job because so many people have heard how wonderful Clemson is.” Of the Clemson University alumni visiting PayScale.com, the median starting salary is $68,300, with 52 percent reporting that they derive a high level of meaning from their jobs.