Your chances of getting into Clemson University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Clemson is 43%. Its admission rate is the 2nd lowest in South Carolina and the 183rd lowest the nation.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Clemson and can you get accepted?
Clemson is a more competitive school to get into. You have a good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 22,704 out of the 52,819 who applied were admitted.
Clemson University typically accepts and attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.75. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top ten percent of their high school class or better. 20% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into Clemson?
43% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Clemson University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.75 or better
- Earn A- grades in high school
- Score 1320 on the SAT
- Score 30 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top 10% of your high school class
Clemson GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Clemson University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into Clemson are to have around a 3.75 high school GPA. You are required to have exceptionally good grades and you should be graduating near the top of your class.
Even with a competitive GPA, admission to Clemson will be challenging as the school denies more applicants than it admits.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at Clemson is 3.75 on the 4.0 scale. 77% of students who get in have perfect 4.0 GPA's in high school. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn A- letter grades and regularly score around 90-92 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #9 in South Carolina for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since Clemson is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.8 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
*This school has not published high school GPA data for its incoming freshman class. In these cases, CollegeSimply uses an algorithm to predict GPA based on this school's test scores and a large sample of college GPA data. 3.75 is a prediction of the school's average incoming freshman GPA.
Clemson SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Clemson University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 45% of students submitted SAT scores and 25% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 610 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 610 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 1220 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 700 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 710 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1410 |
| Average SAT Score | 1320
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Clemson University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at Clemson is 1320 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1220-1410. Students who get into Clemson University score in the top 22 percent of all SAT test takers.. Clemson ranks #2 in the state of South Carolina and #169 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1320 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Clemson regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1220 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1220, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1120, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Clemson University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1320 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1315, you have around a 43% chance of being admitted. A 1410 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 59% chance of getting in.
Clemson ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 25 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 24 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 28 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 33 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 30 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 32 |
| Average ACT Score | 30
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Clemson?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to Clemson is 30, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 28 and 32. The school ranks #1 in South Carolina and #146 in the U.S. for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 30. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 28 and score in the score in the top 12 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 26.
25 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Clemson University.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Clemson University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into Clemson for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 30 score has around 43% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 59% with a 32 ACT score.
High School Class Rank
55% of Clemson University freshman are in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class. For your application to be competitive, you need to graduate at the top of your class.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 54.7% |
| Top 25% of class | 87% |
| Top 50% of class | 100% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 32,170 | 20,644 | 52,819 |
| Accepted | 14,207 | 8,497 | 22,704 |
| Acceptance Rate | 44% | 41% | 43% |
| Enrolled | 2,676 | 1,912 | 4,588 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 19% | 23% | 20% |
Fall 2024 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 12 days left until the Fall 2024 term applications are due on May 1, 2024.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Clemson University is $70.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Clemson University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) |
| High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
| High School Class Rank | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required to be considered for admission |
| Recommendations | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because Clemson is fairly competitive, you have a decent chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.75 GPA, you have a good shot at getting in. An SAT score of 1320 will further improve your application. If you can get a 1410 on the SAT you will have a very good chance on getting in. Additionally a 30 on the ACT places you in a strong position.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Clemson University often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=217882 IPEDS survey data for Clemson University.
FAQs
Does Clemson University prefer SAT or ACT?
45% of students submit their SAT scores to Clemson. 25% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Clemson University?
43% of those who apply are granted admission to Clemson. Admission competition is low and the college has very high admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for Clemson University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 1220 and 1410. The average SAT score is 1315. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for Clemson University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 28 and 32. The average ACT score is 30. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.