Clemson University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Clemson University is a public research university with an acceptance rate of 51%. Located in Clemson, South Carolina at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the banks of Lake Hartwell, the campus is midway between Charlotte and Atlanta.

Clemson's many strengths in academics and student life earned it a spot among the best public universities and the top southeastern colleges and universities. The university's 80 undergraduate majors are divided among seven colleges. The College of Business and the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences have the highest enrollments. For strength in the liberal arts and sciences, Clemson earned a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society. On the athletic front, the Clemson Tigers compete in the ACC, Atlantic Coast Conference.

Considering applying to Clemson University? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, Clemson University had an acceptance rate of 51%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 51 students were admitted, making Clemson's admissions process competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

Clemson requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 62% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

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This admissions data tells us that most of Clemson's admitted students fall within the top 20% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to Clemson scored between 620 and 690, while 25% scored below 620 and 25% scored above 690. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 610 and 710, while 25% scored below 610 and 25% scored above 710. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1400 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Clemson University.

Requirements

Clemson does not require the optional SAT essay section or SAT Subject tests. Note that Clemson University participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Clemson requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 38% of Clemson students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Clemson's admitted students fall within the top 15% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Clemson received a composite ACT score between 27 and 32, while 25% scored above 32 and 25% scored below 27.

Requirements

Note that Clemson does not superscore ACT results; your highest composite ACT score will be considered. Clemson does not require the optional ACT writing section.

GPA

In 2019, the average high school GPA for incoming Clemson freshmen was 4.43, and 88% of incoming students had average GPAs of 3.75 and above. These results suggest that most successful applicants to Clemson University have primarily A grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Clemson University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

Clemson University, which accepts just over half of applicants, has a selective admissions process. If your SAT/ACT scores and GPA fall within the school's average range, you have a strong chance of being accepted. While Clemson does not require a personal statement or essay, the university wants to see that you have completed a college preparatory curriculum in high school. At a minimum, you should have four years of English, three years of math, three years of laboratory science, three years of a single foreign language, three years of social science, one year of art, and one year of physical education. Your application will be stronger if you have successfully completed the most rigorous coursework available, including AP, IB, Honors, and dual enrollment classes.

Another important factor in the admissions process is the choice of major. As some majors fill up quickly, Clemson recommends that applicants select two different majors and apply early. Once all spaces are filled, admission will be closed. Finally, realize that if you are interested in a music or theater concentration, you will need to audition as part of your application.

While interviews are not required, students can meet with an admissions staff member on campus. This optional interview can have many benefits: Clemson will get to know you individually, you'll get to know the school better, and it can demonstrate your interest in the school.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. You can see that most successful applicants had "B+" or higher unweighted averages, SAT scores (ERW+M) of about 1050 or higher, and ACT composite scores of 21 or higher. Those numbers are the very bottom of the range, and you'll have much better chances if your scores are higher. 

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Clemson University Undergraduate Admissions Office.