Clemson University

Clemson is moderately selective, admitting about 42.4% of applicants in the most recent cycle from a pool of roughly 64,800. Selectivity depends heavily on residency: South Carolina residents are admitted at a much higher rate than out-of-state applicants, and Clemson weighs state residency as a very important factor alongside grades and course rigor.

Out-of-state applicants face longer odds than South Carolina residents. For Fall 2025, Clemson admitted about 52.9% of in-state applicants (5,661 of 10,697) but only 40.4% of out-of-state applicants (21,277 of 52,651). State residency is listed as a very important factor, so applying from outside South Carolina makes admission meaningfully more competitive.

A 1300 is competitive at Clemson. It lands in the middle 50% of enrolled first-years, who scored 1250–1400 on the SAT (28–32 ACT), just below the median of 1330. Clemson stayed test-optional for its most recent class, so a 1300 strengthens an out-of-state file but isn't required to apply.

Clemson does not publish an average high school GPA, but it weighs academic GPA, class rank, and course rigor as very important factors. Among the 61% of enrolled first-years who reported a rank, about 55% sat in the top tenth of their graduating class and 92% in the top quarter, so competitive applicants carry strong grades in a demanding schedule.

Yes. Clemson was test-optional for its most recent class, so you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Among first-years who did submit, the middle 50% scored 1250–1400 on the SAT and 28–32 on the ACT. If you submit, scores are weighed as an important factor, and a strong score can help an out-of-state application.

Annual tuition and required fees run about $15,554 for South Carolina residents and $40,866 for out-of-state students. Roughly 32% of full-time first-years receive need-based grant aid, with an average need-based package near $15,875, and Clemson meets about 49% of demonstrated financial need on average.

Business and marketing is the largest field at about 25% of bachelor's degrees, followed by engineering at roughly 16%. The sciences, social sciences, and health professions round out the top areas, reflecting Clemson's land-grant strengths in engineering, business, and the natural sciences.

Clemson lists the application essay as considered in its admissions review, so while it can add helpful context, the decision leans most heavily on grades, class rank, course rigor, and state residency. A thoughtful essay won't outweigh your academic record, but it is now a genuine part of the file rather than something Clemson sets aside.

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