Clemson University Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See South Carolina state aid
- 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
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: Not officially published (highly competitive)
- Middle 50% ACT: 28–32
- Middle 50% SAT: 1250–1400
- Average GPA (HS): —
Source: Clemson Undergraduate Admissions (Class profile / 2024–2025 cycle). Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Clemson at a Glance
Intro — FAQs (Clemson)
How realistic is merit for strong out-of-state students?
Competitive but not automatic. Clemson awards a range of admission-based scholarships, with the largest packages going to students at the top of the admitted pool and on-time with all materials.
Does Clemson superscore?
Yes. Clemson considers ACT and SAT superscores for admission and scholarship review when available.
What deadlines actually matter for scholarships?
Aim for the scholarship priority date listed on this page and ensure all required materials are received by the materials deadline. Late test score updates generally are not considered after the posted update cutoff.
How do Honors and the biggest awards fit in?
The most selective awards are typically tied to Honors-level profiles and interviews. If your student is competitive for Honors, they’re in the realistic zone for Clemson’s top packages.
Do Clemson awards stack with South Carolina state programs?
Usually yes, up to cost of attendance. Families most often layer Clemson merit with Palmetto Fellows or LIFE when eligible.
What if my student is test-optional?
Clemson reviews applications holistically. Submitting strong scores can help for merit; test-optional applicants should lean on rigor, grades, essays, and achievements.
Is there a clear GPA/test “cutoff” for awards?
No fixed cutoffs. Ranges shift year to year with the applicant pool and available funding. Use the “Typical Qualifiers” card here as a directional guide, not a promise.
https://www.clemson.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/clemson-scholarships/
https://www.clemson.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/clemson-scholarships/first-year-recruiting-scholarships.html
https://www.clemson.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/clemson-scholarships/named-scholarships.html
https://collegereadyparent.org/clemson-university-scholarships/
https://news.clemson.edu/2025-class-of-clemsons-premier-scholarship-programs/
https://www.clemson.edu/academics/programs/national-scholars/
https://www.clemson.edu/cuhonors/
https://www.clemson.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/academic-common-market.html
https://www.sreb.org/post/clemson-undergrad-programs-no-longer-available-new-students
https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/t/clemson-university-early-action-for-fall-2025-admissions/3671715?page=57
https://www.niche.com/colleges/clemson-university/admissions/
https://www.clemson.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/discover/statistics.html
https://www.acceptancerate.com/schools/clemson-university
https://clemsontigers.com/award-and-sch-scholarships/
💰 Cost of Attendance (2025–2026)
Sticker price before scholarships or financial aid, shown with just the big two costs families actually pay to the university.
| Category | In-State (SC) | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $15,854 | $42,378 |
| Housing & Food | $14,224 | $14,224 |
| 📊 Estimated Total | $31,574 | $58,098 |
Why just these rows? Books, supplies, and transportation vary widely by student. Clemson’s official totals include them, but we focus on the amounts families directly pay to the university (tuition/fees + housing/food) and then show the net price below.
Notes: Totals assume full-time enrollment (12–18 credits), standard housing/meal plan, and typical fees. Actual bills can differ by college/major.
Cost of Attendance — FAQs (Clemson)
Why does the table show only tuition/fees and housing/food?
Those are the direct, billed costs families pay to Clemson. Other items (books, travel, personal expenses) vary by student and are not billed by the university.
Are there extra fees by college or major?
Some programs assess course- or lab-related fees. Your student’s college can provide details for specific majors.
How much can housing and dining swing the total?
Residence hall type and meal plan selection can move the annual bill by thousands of dollars. Start with a standard option for estimates, then price your student’s actual hall and plan.
Does the “Average Net Price” reflect what we’ll pay?
It’s a federal average across all undergraduates after grants and scholarships. Your family’s net price will depend on aid eligibility, merit awards, and timing.
Can out-of-state students ever pay near in-state rates?
It’s possible for a small subset with high merit plus stacked aid, but most out-of-state families should budget above in-state totals unless awards significantly reduce tuition.
Do state grants or external scholarships affect the bill?
Yes. Clemson coordinates aid so that total funds don’t exceed cost of attendance. Outside scholarships generally reduce unmet need or loans first.
What if our costs change midyear?
Housing or dining changes, credit load adjustments, and program fees can alter the bill. Monitor your student account each term and confirm any adjustments with the bursar/financial aid office.
https://www.clemson.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/cost-and-aid.html
https://www.clemson.edu/financial-aid/cost/estimated-cost-of-attendance.html
https://www.clemson.edu/sfs/tuition-fees/tuition-fee-details.html
https://www.niche.com/colleges/clemson-university/cost/
https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/217882/clemson-university/tuition/
https://www.collegevine.com/faq/58888/clemson-room-board-prices
https://www.sreb.org/post/clemson-undergrad-programs-no-longer-available-new-students
https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/t/clemson-university-early-action-for-fall-2025-admissions/3671715?page=57
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/clemson-university/tuition-and-costs
https://housing.clemson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/25-26-Proposed-Rates.pdf
https://www.clemson.edu/financial-aid/cd/cost/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at Clemson
Clemson automatically evaluates admitted first-year students for recruiting scholarships. Awards are highly competitive and can range from small amounts to the full cost of attendance. No separate application is required; apply by Jan 1 and submit all required materials by Jan 10 for consideration.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Merit Scholarship | Varies — from ~$500/yr up to cost of attendance (competitive) | South Carolina residents; holistic review of class rank, rigor, GPA, and test scores (if submitted). State awards such as LIFE or Palmetto Fellows may be factored into total merit. | No | Yes — maintain 3.0 GPA & 12 credits/term | Top in-state admits, often in the top 10–20% of their class with strong rigor and early application by priority date. | January 1 (priority) |
| Out-of-State Tuition Scholarship | Varies — from ~$500/yr up to cost of attendance (competitive) | Nonresident U.S. students with exceptional academic records. Some awards include small donor-funded supplements within the total package. | No | Yes — maintain 3.0 GPA & 12 credits/term | Top out-of-state admits, typically top 10–15% academically with strong rigor, leadership, and early application. | January 1 (priority) |
| Named Scholarship Programs (Donor-Funded) | Varies; amounts and criteria change annually | Automatic consideration for admitted first-years meeting donor criteria; some require FAFSA for financial need or first-generation status. | No | Varies | Strong students with leadership, need, or geographic ties that align with donor intent; limited number available. | January 1 (priority) |
Apply by Jan 1; submit all required materials by Jan 10 for scholarship consideration.
- Out-of-State (nonresident): many packages cluster around $5,000–$10,000/year. Larger awards appear for top academic profiles; full cost of attendance awards are rare and usually through Honors-based programs.
- South Carolina residents: institutional merit often lands in the low-thousands (e.g., $1,000–$5,000/year) and can stack with state programs like LIFE or Palmetto Fellows (separate eligibility rules apply).
- Test scores help: submitting strong ACT/SAT (Clemson superscores) tends to improve merit competitiveness, but final amounts are holistic and not guaranteed.
FAQ: Automatic Scholarships at Clemson
Do we need the FAFSA for merit?
Merit review is academic; FAFSA is not required for merit itself but is required for need-based aid and for some named programs. Submitting FAFSA by Jan 1 is recommended.
Are awards only for SC residents?
No. Clemson considers both in-state and out-of-state students for recruiting scholarships, but amounts/competition vary.
Test-optional vs. merit?
Clemson is test-optional, but strong ACT/SAT scores can strengthen merit competitiveness—especially for larger OOS awards. Clemson superscores both tests.
Typical profile for recipients?
Often top 10–20% class rank with rigorous coursework; middle-50% admitted ranges hover around ACT 28–32 / SAT 1250–1400. Stronger stats may correlate with higher awards, but nothing is guaranteed.
Renewal requirements?
Most recruiting awards require maintaining about a 3.0 GPA and 12 credits per term (24/year). Check your offer for exact terms.
https://www.clemson.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/clemson-scholarships/first-year-recruiting-scholarships.html
https://collegereadyparent.org/clemson-university-scholarships/
https://www.clemson.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/clemson-scholarships/named-scholarships.html
https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/t/clemson-university-early-action-for-fall-2025-admissions/3671715?page=57
https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/clemson-university-out-of-state-tuition-scholarship
https://www.clemson.edu/cuhonors/
https://www.clemson.edu/academics/programs/national-scholars/
https://www.clemson.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/discover/statistics.html
https://www.niche.com/colleges/clemson-university/admissions/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships at Clemson
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Deadline | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Scholars Program | Full cost of attendance + enrichment benefits (4 years) | By invitation from Clemson Honors College; holistic review of the most exceptional applicants. Open to all U.S. citizens and permanent residents; not limited to South Carolina residents or National Merit students. | Yes | Yes | October 15 (Clemson + Honors application) | Roughly 20 recipients per year, typically students with 34+ ACT or 1500+ SAT, unweighted GPAs near 4.0, extensive leadership, and community or research involvement. |
| Breakthrough Scholars Program | Full cost of attendance plus academic and professional development support | Top South Carolina high school seniors pursuing STEM majors; focus on innovation, leadership, and long-term contribution to the state’s workforce. | Yes | Yes | Outstanding in-state students with exceptional academics, leadership in STEM activities, and commitment to remain active in South Carolina’s research or industry sectors. | October 15 (Honors application deadline) |
| National Merit Finalist Award | $2,500 first year + $1,500 per year thereafter Clemson-sponsored NMSC award |
National Merit Finalist who lists Clemson University as first-choice institution with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). No separate Clemson application required. | No | Yes | May 31 (NMSC first-choice deadline) | National Merit Finalists who officially select Clemson as their first-choice school with NMSC by the stated deadline. Award amounts follow sponsor guidelines and do not vary by institution. |
Note: “Who Actually Wins?” reflects patterns from prior cycles and Clemson/Honors communications; not official cutoffs.
• National Scholars Program: Oct 15 (Clemson + Honors application)
• National Merit Finalist Award: May 31 (NMSC first-choice designation)
FAQ: Clemson Competitive Scholarships
Is the National Scholars Program tied to National Merit or SC residency?
No. It’s a Clemson Honors selection for the top applicant pool nationwide. National Merit status is common among finalists but not required.
How many National Scholars awards are there?
Very few—typically fewer than 20 per year—making it one of the most selective packages in South Carolina.
Does the National Merit Finalist Award require a separate Clemson application?
No. Finalists list Clemson as their first-choice institution with NMSC by May 31. NMSC notifies Clemson; the sponsor award is then applied.
Are these awards stackable with other Clemson aid?
Sometimes. Stacking depends on the package terms and funding source. Check your official award letter in the portal for stacking rules.
🔎 Looking for the Stamps Scholarship? Clemson is not a Stamps partner. See partner schools here: Stamps Scholarship.
https://www.clemson.edu/academics/programs/national-scholars/
https://www.clemson.edu/academics/programs/national-scholars/scholar-selection/
https://news.clemson.edu/2025-class-of-clemsons-premier-scholarship-programs/
https://www.clemson.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/clemson-scholarships/named-scholarships.html
https://collegereadyparent.org/clemson-university-scholarships/
https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/48576-national-merit-scholarship-clemson-university
https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/News/main.asp?titleid=2504merit
https://www.clemson.edu/cuhonors/_documents/honors-handbook-2025-2026.pdf
https://www.clemson.edu/cuhonors/admissions/first-year-student.html
Clemson Honors College
Clemson’s Honors College is designed for high-achieving students who want smaller classes, faculty mentorship, and deeper opportunities in research, leadership, and service. It’s also the home base for Clemson’s most competitive scholarships—including the university’s flagship National Scholars Program and the Breakthrough Scholars Program for in-state STEM students. Both provide full cost of attendance and are among the most selective awards in the country.
Admission is by separate application. After submitting your Clemson application, you’ll gain access to the Honors College portal, which requires two short essays and a holistic review. Most successful applicants are in the top 10% of their class with a 4.5+ weighted GPA. While many have test scores around 32+ ACT or 1400+ SAT, the review emphasizes intellectual curiosity, initiative, and impact as much as numbers.
Even if your student doesn’t land a full-ride award, the Honors College offers several unique funding options, early research grants, and strong faculty support that can meaningfully enhance a Clemson experience.
Additional Honors Funding
- EUREKA! Grants: Funding for first-year students to begin faculty-led research early in their Clemson career.
- Honors in Action: Supports credit-bearing service, community projects, and global engagement experiences.
- Honors College Grants: Funds for student-led initiatives, conference travel, and professional development.
Perks of the Honors College
- Priority Registration: Access to class registration before most of the student body
- Honors-Only Courses: Small, discussion-based seminars taught by top faculty
- Honors Housing: Dedicated residence halls and living-learning communities
- Research Opportunities: Mentorship and funding for independent research, conferences, or creative work
- National Fellowship Advising: Specialized guidance for Truman, Goldwater, Fulbright, and other national awards
Don’t assume your student has to be “perfect” to get into the Honors College. If your kid has strong grades, rigorous coursework, and a record of motivation or leadership, it’s worth applying—especially for the small classes, close faculty contact, and scholarship access that come with Honors. Just remember: the National Scholars and Breakthrough Scholars programs are extremely selective, admitting only a handful of students each year.
FAQ: Clemson Honors College
How do students apply to the National Scholars or Breakthrough Scholars Programs?
Both are invitation-only opportunities connected to the Honors College. Students must complete the Honors application by the October 15 deadline. Top applicants are then invited to interviews in the spring.
What’s the difference between National Scholars and Breakthrough Scholars?
The National Scholars Program is open to the strongest applicants nationwide, while the Breakthrough Scholars Program is for top South Carolina students pursuing STEM fields. Both cover full cost of attendance plus academic and leadership enrichment.
Do Honors students automatically receive extra scholarships?
No—Honors admission itself doesn’t come with guaranteed funding. However, Honors students have greater access to competitive awards, undergraduate research grants, and national fellowship advising.
Is the extra workload significant?
Honors students complete a mix of seminars, contracts, or research experiences to earn Honors distinction. Most find the workload manageable and worth it for the smaller classes, mentoring, and flexibility in course options.
https://www.clemson.edu/cuhonors/opportunities/breakthrough-scholars/
https://www.clemson.edu/cuhonors/opportunities/breakthrough-scholars/selection-process.html
https://news.clemson.edu/2025-class-of-clemsons-premier-scholarship-programs/
https://collegereadyparent.org/clemson-university-scholarships/
https://www.clemson.edu/cuhonors/admissions/first-year-student.html
https://www.clemson.edu/cuhonors/opportunities/intellectual-growth/eureka/
https://www.clemson.edu/cuhonors/opportunities/grants/
https://www.clemson.edu/cuhonors/opportunities/honors-residential-college/
https://www.clemson.edu/cuhonors/student-support/advising.html
https://housing.clemson.edu/community/honors-college/
https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/t/worth-the-perks-clemson-honors-college/3673242
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_I2HA3hA3hBYW/
⭐ 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.