🎓 Clemson University Scholarships: What Parents Need to Know

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

Clemson is a popular choice for students across the South—especially those drawn to its strong engineering, business, and agriculture programs. But when it comes to scholarships, many families aren’t sure what’s actually available, who qualifies, or whether out-of-state students have a shot at real merit aid.

This guide breaks it all down: from Clemson’s automatic scholarships to competitive awards and first-gen-friendly options that can help make the numbers work. If you’re a South Carolina resident, be sure to check out the state scholarship programs—many stack with Clemson’s institutional aid.

Whether your student is applying from in-state or out-of-state, this page will show you what to expect and how to position your family for the best shot at financial support.

💰 Cost of Attendance (2025–2026)

Here’s what families can expect in sticker price—before scholarships or financial aid.

Category	In-State (SC)	Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees	$15,854	$42,378
Room & Board	$14,224	$14,224
Books & Supplies	$1,496	$1,456
Personal & Transportation	$6,754	$6,754
📊 Estimated Total COA	$31,574	$58,098

🎯 Net Price estimates reflect what families actually pay after average grants and scholarships.

📉 Net Price (What Families Actually Pay):
Clemson’s average net price is around $23,180/year for in-state freshmen and $48,500/year for out-of-state students, after scholarships and grants are applied. About 75% of freshmen receive some form of aid, with typical award packages averaging $12,600/year.

🎓 Residency Matters: In-state rates have been frozen for six years straight, making Clemson a strong value for South Carolina families. Out-of-state students still pay closer to $58,000 before aid—but strong merit awards can substantially reduce that.

🚫 No Out-of-State Waiver: Clemson doesn’t offer automatic tuition waivers for out-of-state students or nearby states. But strong applicants may receive merit scholarships that reduce OOS tuition significantly—especially with high test scores. Clemson does participate in the Academic Common Market but on a limited basis (graduate students only).

🟦 Automatic Scholarships at Clemson

Clemson awards a limited number of automatic merit scholarships to incoming freshmen who apply by the early action deadline (October 15). These scholarships are based on GPA, test scores, and class rank. No separate application is required—students are considered automatically after applying to the university.

📝 Important: Clemson does superscore both the ACT and SAT. GPA is reviewed on a weighted 4.0 scale and must meet state-recognized honors/AP weighting to count.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Out-of-State Tuition Scholarship	$7,500–$15,000/year^* *Higher amounts typically go to students with ACT 34+ or SAT 1500+ and 4.5+ GPA	ACT 30+ or SAT 1360+, 3.75+ GPA	❌	✅	OOS students with strong scores and top 10% class rank
Trustee Academic Scholarship	Up to $10,000/year	In-state, top 10% of class, 28+ ACT or 1300+ SAT	❌	✅	Strong SC applicants with AP/Honors rigor and solid test scores
Provost Scholarship	$2,500–$5,000/year	3.5+ GPA + 26+ ACT or 1240+ SAT	❌	✅	Above-average students who apply early with test scores

🎯 Clarifying the Range: Most Clemson merit scholarships for out-of-state students fall between $7,500–$10,000/year. The $15,000 awards are reserved for students with near-perfect scores, top GPAs, and national recognition.

🤔 FAQ: Automatic Scholarships at Clemson

Do I need to submit the FAFSA to get merit scholarships?

No. Clemson’s automatic merit scholarships are based on your student’s GPA, test scores, and class rank—not your income. But you should still submit the FAFSA to qualify for need-based aid or work-study, especially if you’re a first-generation or middle-income family.

Are these scholarships only for South Carolina residents?

Nope. Clemson offers merit scholarships for both in-state and out-of-state students. The amounts and competition levels vary, but out-of-state students with strong test scores can qualify for $5,000–$10,000/year in tuition reduction through merit-based aid.

Can my student qualify without test scores?

It’s possible, but unlikely for top-tier awards. Clemson is not fully test-optional for major merit scholarships. Submitting strong ACT or SAT scores (especially for out-of-state applicants) gives your student a much better chance of being awarded automatic aid.

Does Clemson superscore the ACT or SAT?

Yes. Clemson superscores both the ACT and SAT, which means they combine your student’s best section scores from different test dates to calculate the highest possible total.

What’s a good GPA to get a scholarship at Clemson?

Most automatic scholarships go to students with at least a 3.75 weighted GPA. That means your student has taken some honors, AP, or dual credit classes. Some awards also require class rank in the top 10% and test scores around 28–30 ACT or 1300–1360 SAT.

Do we have to fill out anything extra to get these scholarships?

No. Your student is considered automatically when they apply to Clemson by the October 15 early action deadline. That said, scholarships are limited, so applying early and submitting test scores makes a difference.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships at Clemson

🎯 Reality Check: Clemson’s most prestigious scholarships are highly competitive and typically reserved for Honors College students or National Merit/National Scholars. Only a small number are awarded each year—and most require top scores and academic leadership.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
National Scholars Program	Full COA + enrichment	National Merit Finalist, SC resident, Honors invite only	✅	✅	Top SC students with 1500+ SAT or 34+ ACT, 4.8+ GPA, and leadership or research background
National Merit Finalist Award	$2,500–$10,000/year	National Merit Finalist, names Clemson as 1st choice	✅	✅	Finalists who commit to Clemson and apply by Oct 15

Note: The “Who Actually Wins?” column is based on past recipients, Clemson’s published data, and admitted student profiles. These are not official cutoffs—actual recipients vary each year depending on the applicant pool and funding.

📅 Deadlines to Know:

• National Scholars Program — October 15 (Clemson + Honors College application deadline)
• National Merit Finalist Award — May 31 (NMSC first-choice deadline)

Missing these dates usually means missing the scholarship — mark your calendar early.

💎 Hidden Gems at Clemson

These scholarships might not make the front page—but they can still add up to real money. Many are based on your student’s background, interests, or major. Be sure to check deadlines—some require auditions, separate applications, or early FAFSA submission.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Emerging Scholars Program	Covers tuition, fees, summer prep	First-gen, low-income SC students (invitation only)	✅	❌	Support program for rural SC students with potential
Marching Band / Spirit Squad	$800–$2,500/year	Audition required; must participate in band or squad	✅	✅	Students who join Tiger Band or cheer/dance squads
College of Arts Scholarships	$1,000–$5,000/year	Art, music, theatre, or architecture majors; portfolio or audition	✅	✅	Creative students pursuing arts-based degrees
ROTC Scholarships (Army, Navy, Air Force)	Full tuition + $420/month	Commit to service after graduation; strong academics and fitness	✅	✅	Students pursuing military leadership or public service
Legacy / Alumni Scholarships	$1,000–$3,000	Parent or grandparent is a Clemson alum; often requires Alumni Association membership	✅	Varies	Legacy students who show involvement or service
Departmental Scholarships	$500–$5,000	Must declare a major; varies by department	✅	✅	STEM, business, or education students showing promise
Lyceum Scholars Program	$2,500/year ($10,000 total)	Separate application; open to Political Science majors interested in classical liberal arts	✅	✅	Philosophically inclined students interested in political thought and free markets
Diversity & Inclusion Scholarships	Varies ($1,000–$5,000)	Underrepresented students; often based on service or advocacy	✅	Varies	BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or first-gen students with leadership or community impact

💬 Parent Note:
Don’t get discouraged if your student doesn’t qualify for the big-name scholarships. These “hidden” awards can still add up—and they’re often based on things that don’t show up on a report card: creativity, identity, leadership, or being the first in your family to go to college. If something here sounds like your kid, encourage them to ask questions and apply early. Many families miss these entirely just because they didn’t know to look.

🤔 FAQ: Hidden Scholarships & Lesser-Known Opportunities

Does Clemson have scholarships just for first-generation students?

Yes, but they’re limited. The Emerging Scholars Program is designed for first-generation students from South Carolina, but it’s by invitation and not open to all. Outside of that, Clemson doesn’t have a separate first-gen scholarship—but first-gen students can still qualify for merit, departmental, or donor-funded aid.

How do I apply for music, arts, or band scholarships?

You’ll need to audition or submit a portfolio, depending on the program. Marching Band scholarships require an audition and participation in Tiger Band. Arts scholarships are awarded by the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities and often require early applications.

What are departmental scholarships, and how do we find them?

These are smaller awards given out by specific academic departments (like engineering, education, or business). Most are for current students rather than freshmen, but a few are open to incoming majors. Ask your student’s department or advisor once admitted.

Are there scholarships for underrepresented or minority students?

Yes, but they’re not always clearly listed. Many diversity and inclusion scholarships are donor-funded or tied to specific majors. Students from underrepresented backgrounds—especially those involved in advocacy, leadership, or service—should ask their admissions rep or financial aid office for help locating them.

Can my student get more than one “hidden gem” scholarship?

In some cases, yes. For example, a student might receive a small departmental scholarship along with a marching band stipend. However, Clemson will not stack scholarships beyond the cost of attendance, and some awards may reduce others. Always check with the financial aid office.

⭐ College Specialty

Nestled in Upstate South Carolina beside Lake Hartwell, Clemson University is a public R1 land-grant university known for hands-on research, community impact, and strong alumni connections. With standout programs in science, engineering, agriculture, and education, Clemson consistently ranks among America’s top public universities.

College of Education — Ranked #1 in the nation for Online Graduate Education Programs (U.S. News, 2025). Clemson has held the top spot in seven of the last eight years.

Undergraduate Engineering — Top 60 nationally.
National Universities — Top 80 overall; Top 40 public schools.
Recreation & Engineering Fields — #1 nationally for Recreation Administration; strong in Construction Engineering, Landscape Architecture, and Industrial Engineering.
Athletics & Sports Management — #5 in the nation for College Athletics; Top 20 in Sports Management.
Architecture & Agriculture — Architecture ranked Top 25; Agricultural Sciences ranked Top 30 nationally.

🎓 Clemson Honors College

Clemson’s Honors College is designed for high-achieving students who want smaller classes, direct faculty access, and more room to explore big questions. It’s also a great pathway to undergraduate research, prestigious fellowships, and national scholarship opportunities.

Admission is by application—not automatic. After your student applies to Clemson, they’ll get access to the separate Honors College application. This includes two additional essays and is reviewed holistically (not just GPA or test scores).

Most students who are accepted have a 4.5+ weighted GPA and are in the top 10% of their class. While high ACT or SAT scores help (think 32+ ACT or 1400+ SAT), Clemson says students without test scores can still be admitted if their academic story is strong. Honors is looking for curiosity, motivation, and impact—not just perfect stats.

⭐ Perks of the Honors College

Priority Registration: Choose classes before most of the student body
Honors-Only Courses: Small, discussion-based seminars with top faculty
Honors Housing: Access to Honors residence halls and living-learning communities
Research Opportunities: Support for independent projects, conferences, and publication
National Fellowships: Dedicated advising for programs like Truman, Goldwater, and Fulbright

💰 Scholarships & the Honors College

Clemson does not guarantee special scholarships just for Honors students—but many of the university’s top scholarship recipients (like National Scholars) are also in the Honors College. Being accepted into Honors may help your student stand out for departmental aid, research funding, and competitive national awards.

💡 Parent Tip:
Don’t assume your student has to be “perfect” to get into the Honors College. If your kid has strong grades, challenging courses, and a story that shows motivation or impact, it’s worth applying—especially if they thrive in small class settings or want mentorship.

🤔 FAQ: Clemson Honors College

Do I have to apply separately to Clemson Honors College?

Yes. Once your student submits their Clemson application, they’ll be able to access the Honors College application in their student portal. It includes extra essays and is reviewed holistically. There’s no automatic invitation—you have to opt in.

What kind of student usually gets into the Honors College?

Most Honors admits have a 4.5+ GPA (weighted), are in the top 10% of their class, and have taken advanced coursework like AP, IB, or dual enrollment. High test scores (ACT 32+ / SAT 1400+) help, but students without scores can still be admitted based on grades, essays, and leadership.

What are “national fellowships,” and how does Clemson help students win them?

National fellowships are prestigious, highly competitive scholarships for things like grad school, public service, research, or studying abroad. Examples include the Truman Scholarship (for public service), Goldwater Scholarship (for STEM research), or the Fulbright Program (for international study or teaching). Honors students at Clemson get dedicated advising and mentorship to help them compete for these awards—which can be life-changing opportunities.

How does research work for undergrads in Honors?

Honors students are encouraged to do original research, even as freshmen. Clemson helps match students with professors in their field, whether that’s science, education, business, or the arts. Projects might include lab work, policy analysis, field research, or creative projects—and students can apply for funding to support their work or present at conferences.

Is Honors housing required?

No, but it’s strongly encouraged. Honors students can live in dedicated residence halls that are quieter, more academically focused, and include study spaces and lounges. It’s a great way to build community with other motivated students.

Does being in the Honors College help you get more scholarships?

It can. Clemson doesn’t automatically award scholarships just for being in Honors—but many of the university’s top scholarship recipients are also Honors students. Being in the program may give your student an edge when applying for departmental awards, research funding, or national fellowships down the line.

🔗 Official Links

Clemson has built its reputation not just on academics and athletics, but on the sense of community that ties students, families, and alumni together. Whether your student is aiming for a top scholarship, exploring the nationally ranked education and engineering programs, or simply drawn to the Tiger spirit, Clemson offers opportunities that stretch far beyond the classroom.

For families, the real value lies in pairing those opportunities with financial aid that makes sense. Use the resources on this page to map out the costs, compare scholarships, and decide if Clemson is the right fit for your student’s goals and your family’s budget.

And remember: you don’t have to navigate this process alone. The key is starting early, applying widely, and staying realistic while still reaching high. Clemson may just surprise you with how much it has to offer.

Last updated: August 2025