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Clemson University

Clemson, SC

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Quick Facts

Wikipedia
1889
Founded
Public land-grant research university
Type
22,778
Total Students
24,060
Undergrad
5,485
Graduate
$1.2B
Endowment
(2025)
$16K
Tuition (In-State)
$39K
Tuition (Out-State)
$22K
Avg Net Price
38%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Graduation Rate
6-year
93%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Robert H. Jones (interim)

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Clemson University

Clemson: A top-tier public research university in the Blue Ridge foothills, fostering innovation and impact.

Clemson University stands as a prominent public land-grant research institution, classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity." Nestled near Clemson, South Carolina, in the picturesque foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordering Lake Hartwell, it offers a vibrant academic and living environment for its nearly 30,000 students, making it the second-largest university by enrollment in the state.

The university's rich history traces back to Thomas Green Clemson, son-in-law of statesman John C. Calhoun. Clemson bequeathed his estate, including the historic Fort Hill plantation, in 1888 to establish a college dedicated to scientific agriculture and mechanical arts. Influenced by Governor Benjamin Tillman, this vision came to fruition in 1889, laying the groundwork for a university committed to practical education and service to South Carolina.

Academically, Clemson is home to nine diverse colleges, offering a broad spectrum of studies from agriculture and engineering to business and humanities. The university prides itself on its extensive graduate school, which provides over 100 degree programs across 85 disciplines, many of which are nationally recognized and offer unique interdisciplinary opportunities. With a student/faculty ratio of 16:1, students benefit from an engaging and supportive learning atmosphere.

Prospective students and families will find a dynamic campus spanning 1,400 acres, rich in tradition and forward-thinking research. Clemson's commitment to its land-grant mission ensures that its educational, research, and service initiatives are deeply connected to societal needs, preparing graduates to make a tangible difference in the world.

Key Highlights

  • Designated as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution.
  • Second-largest university in South Carolina, serving nearly 30,000 students (29,545 total; 24,060 undergraduates).
  • Manages an endowment of approximately $1.2 billion, supporting robust academic and research initiatives.
  • Features a picturesque 1,400-acre main campus located in the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills, bordering Lake Hartwell.
  • Offers over 100 graduate degree programs across 85 disciplines, with many nationally ranked.
  • Comprises nine distinct academic colleges, including a newly established College of Veterinary Medicine.

Timeline

1838
Thomas Green Clemson marries Anna Maria Calhoun, connecting him to the Fort Hill plantation.
1888
Thomas Green Clemson dies, bequeathing his estate to establish a college for scientific agriculture and mechanical arts.
1889
Clemson Agricultural College of South Carolina is established.
1955
Academic structure reorganized, transforming four schools into nine colleges.
1962
Lake Hartwell is formed by a dam, creating a new border for the campus.
1964
Clemson Agricultural College officially renamed Clemson University.
2014
The Eugene T. Moore School of Education breaks off to become a distinct college.
2016
Major academic reorganization creates seven new colleges, shaping the current academic structure.
🏛️
137 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

10 notable schools within Clemson University

🔬

College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences

Supports the university's land-grant mission, focusing on sustainability, food systems, and biomedical sciences through education, research, and public service.

🏫

College of Architecture, Art and Construction

One of Clemson's nine distinct academic colleges.

🎭

College of Arts and Humanities

One of Clemson's nine distinct academic colleges.

🔬

College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences

One of Clemson's nine distinct academic colleges.

💼

Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business

One of Clemson's nine distinct academic colleges.

📚

College of Education (including the Eugene T. Moore School of Education)

One of Clemson's nine distinct academic colleges, formed as a separate entity in 2014.

⚙️

College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences

One of Clemson's nine distinct academic colleges.

🔬

College of Science

One of Clemson's nine distinct academic colleges.

🏥

Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine

A newly established college among Clemson's nine distinct academic colleges.

🎓

The Graduate School

Offers over 100 graduate degree programs in 85 disciplines, including highly ranked and unique interdisciplinary options, at various campus sites and online.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Robert H. Jones (interim)
President
J. Cole Smith
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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