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Clemson University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Clemson University accepts 38% of applicants. It is a public university in Clemson, South Carolina, with about 23,300 undergraduates. The sticker price is $30,078 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $22,032.

38%Acceptance rate
1240–1410Middle 50% SAT
28–32Middle 50% ACT
$22,032Average cost after aid / year
88%Graduation rate
$65,679Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for Clemson University?

Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical South Carolina resident has about a 47% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes.

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into Clemson University by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1320, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPASouth Carolina residentOut-of-state
3.09% Reach3% Reach
3.39% Reach3% Reach
3.516% Reach5% Reach
3.726% Reach9% Reach
3.939% Target16% Reach
4.047% Target21% Reach

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at Clemson University

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $30,078 a year for state residents including room and board.

Family incomeIn-stateOut-of-state
Under $50k$14,900$37,500
$50k – $100k$16,700$39,200
$100k – $150k$22,100$44,700
$150k – $250k$30,078$52,700
Over $250k$30,078$55,500

Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.

Outcomes

88%Finish their degree
93%Return for second year
$65,679Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about Clemson University

What is the acceptance rate at Clemson University?

Clemson University admits 38% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into Clemson University?

Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical South Carolina resident has about a 47% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Clemson University?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1240–1410 on the SAT and 28–32 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does Clemson University cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $30,078 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $22,032 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $14,900 in-state.

What is the graduation rate at Clemson University?

88% of students finish their degree, and 93% return for a second year.

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