Clemson Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Clemson is 38.1%.  Its admission rate is the 2nd lowest in South Carolina and the 162nd lowest the nation.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Clemson and can you get accepted?

Clemson is a highly competitive school to get into. You have a moderate chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 22,879 out of the 60,122 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?

38% 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 1310 on the SAT
• Score 30 on the ACT
• Graduate in the top 10% of your high school class

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.

 What do these chances mean?

*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.

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. 39% of students submitted SAT scores and 21% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

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 1310 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1230-1390. Students who get into Clemson University score in the top 20 percent of all SAT test takers..  Clemson ranks #2 in the state of South Carolina and #188 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1310 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Clemson regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1230 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1230, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1150, 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 1310 SAT score range.

Chance 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 1310, you have around a 38% chance of being admitted. A 1390 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 54% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

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 #143 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.

21 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

Chance 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 38% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 54% 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.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

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?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Clemson is highly competitive, you have a moderate chance of acceptance depending on your GPA and test scores. If you earn at least a 3.75 GPA, you will have a fair shot at getting in. Additionally, you should score a 1310 on the SAT or 30 on the ACT to be competitive. If you can score a 1390 SAT you will be a very strong applicant.