Clemson University

8/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Clemson, SC
4.4 10 reviews

#25 Best Public Universities in America

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

29,077

Location Clemson, South Carolina
Website clemson.edu
Type Public 4 Year
Setting Distant Town

Best Colleges Rank

#132

Size Large
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in upstate South Carolina, Clemson University occupies 17,000 acres alongside Lake Hartwell, approximately 30 miles from Greenville. Originally established in 1889 as Clemson Agricultural College on land bequeathed by former U.S. Vice President John C. Calhoun and his son-in-law Thomas Green Clemson, the institution has evolved into a public land-grant research university. The campus features a blend of traditional collegiate Gothic architecture and modern facilities, with a central historic district anchored by Tillman Hall. Clemson maintains competitive admission standards and is recognized for its engineering, architecture, and business programs, while also operating a significant agricultural research extension program throughout the state. The university requires first-year students to live on campus and competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Clemson Tigers, with its football program achieving national prominence.

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Ratings

Clemson is rated within the top 24% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10.

Overall Rating

8 out of 10
Academics

9 out of 10
Resources

6 out of 10
Outcomes

9 out of 10
Value

8 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for Clemson University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

Best Colleges in the U.S.

#132
Best Public Colleges in the U.S.

#25
Best Colleges in South Carolina

#2
Best Public Colleges in South Carolina

#1
Best Value Colleges in the U.S.

#314
Best Value Colleges in South Carolina

#5

Learn how rankings are calculated

Admissions

Admission Standards

Very High

SAT 1240/1410
ACT 28/32
Estimated GPA 3.75

Acceptance Rate

38.3%

Applications Due May 1, 2027
Enrollment Rate 20.7%
Application Fee $70

Applicant Competition High

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Annual Cost to Attend

South Carolina Resident Tuition

$15,554

Out of State Resident Tuition

$40,866

Breakdown

Tuition $15,554
Books and Supplies $1,456
Other Fees $1,516
Room and Board $13,284
Budget for Other Expenses $5,520
Total One Year Cost $37,330

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$57,100 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

80% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Clemson University are Business, Engineering, and Health Professions. 20% of students major in Business, 17% in Engineering, and 9% in Health Professions.