The Bridge to Clemson Program

Designed for a select group of academically talented freshmen, the Bridge to Clemson University program is a competitive academic-enhancement transfer program available by invitation only; students must first apply for freshman admission to Clemson to receive consideration for the program. Beginning with a strong academic freshman year at Tri-County Technical College — 2 miles from the Clemson campus — the Bridge program includes intentional advising, academic support and residential life components that facilate a seamless transition to Clemson upon successful completion of academic requirements.

Participants in the program will enroll at Tri-County for their freshman year before transferring to Clemson. Faculty and advisers from both institutions will assist students in selecting courses that will satisfy program requirements and allow for continued success after bridging to Clemson.

Academic requirements

Bridge students must earn at least 30 hours of university transfer coursework with a 2.5 grade point average during the fall and spring semesters. Once these requirements are met, students will transition to Clemson for the subsequent fall semester and won’t be required to complete the Clemson transfer application process. Students who don’t meet these requirements can apply for transfer admission to Clemson at a later date.

While Tri-County grades are not included in subsequently earned Clemson grade point ratios (GPR), grades earned at Tri-County will count toward determining eligibility for the South Carolina LIFE Scholarship.

Community living

Community living is one of the most important experiences for a first-year college student. Bridge students will live in four-person apartments at High Pointe of Clemson, located 4 miles from Tri-County and 2 miles from Clemson. Upper class residential advisers will be available for assistance, counseling and to coordinate social and academic programs throughout the year. Daily transit service will be provided to Tri-County for students living at High Pointe when classes are scheduled.

Costs

Bridge program fee

The cost is $2,585 per year ($1,435 for the fall semester and $1,150 for the spring semester). This fee covers program administration, academic support facility and services, orientation, health care services, recreation, student activities and transit provided through TCTC and Clemson .

Housing fee

The cost for housing at High Pointe is $2,880 per semester.

Tri-County tuition and fees

Tri-County tuition and fees aren’t included in the costs above. Please refer to their Web site, to determine tuition and fees for full-time students. Select “Prospective Students - Getting Started” and follow the links.

Financial aid

For your freshman year, all federal and state financial aid is awarded by Tri-County. To receive priority consideration, please complete and submit the online FAFSA to Tri-County by March 15. The Tri-County college code is 004926. If you have already submitted your FAFSA through Clemson, you need to log in to your submitted FAFSA form and resubmit using the Tri-County college code.