Deadlines and Timeline

 Deadlines and Processing Time
Program Deadline
Clemson Scholarships
  • Apply for admissions by December 1, with the admissions process, along with the submission of ACT/SAT scores, completed by December 31. (Need-Based Scholarships require the FAFSA submitted by January 2.)
  • Scholarships will be added to the bill 24 hours after accepting Terms and Conditions on iROAR.
  • University Scholarship Appeals are reviewed during the fall semester each academic year. The Scholarship Appeal Form and supporting documentation must be submitted by the last day to register or add a class or declare Audit.
Federal SEOG
  • Priority Deadline: FAFSA submitted by January 2 for freshmen and April 1 for upperclassmen.
  • If selected for verification, federal grants will be added to the bill after verification is complete (3 to 4 weeks processing time).
  • Students must read Terms and Conditions on iROAR.
Federal Work-Study
  • Priority Deadline: FAFSA submitted by January 2 for freshmen and April 1 for upperclassmen.
  • If selected for verification, Federal Work-Study will be added to the bill after verification is complete (3 to 4 weeks processing time).
  • Students must read Terms and Conditions on iROAR.
  • Students will be notified to set up a profile and apply for jobs in early July.
SC Need-Based Grant
  • Priority Deadline: FAFSA submitted by January 2 for freshmen and April 1 for upperclassmen.
  • If selected for verification, state grants will be added to the bill after verification is complete (3 to 4 weeks processing time).
  • Students must read Terms and Conditions and the State Aid Affidavit on iROAR.
Federal Pell Grant
  • Recommended Deadline: FAFSA submitted by June 1.
  • If selected for verification, federal grants will be added to the bill after verification is complete (3 to 4 weeks processing time).
  • Students must read Terms and Conditions on iROAR.
Federal Student Loans
  • Recommended Deadline: FAFSA submitted by June 1.
  • If selected for verification, federal loans will be added to the bill after verification is complete (3 to 4 weeks processing time).
  • Once loans have been accepted, it will take 2 weeks to process the loans.
  • If we request you to complete entrance loan counseling and/or a Master Promissory Note at studentloans.gov, it will take 3 to 5 business days for us to receive notification from the Department of Education.
PLUS Loans
  • Recommended Deadline: FAFSA submitted by June 1 and loan application submitted by June 30.
  • If selected for verification, federal loans will be added to the bill after verification is complete (3 to 4 weeks processing time).
  • Once a loan has been applied for and pre-approved, it will take 2 to 3 weeks to process the loan.
  • If we request you to complete a PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note at studentloans.gov, it will take 3 to 5 business days for us to receive notification from the Department of Education.
  • If you are using an endorser or have been approved after an appeal for the PLUS loan, then you must complete PLUS Counseling at studentloans.gov.
Private Loans
  • Recommended Deadline: Loan application submitted by June 30.
  • If selected for verification, private loans will be added to the bill after verification is complete (3 to 4 weeks processing time).
  • Once a loan has been applied for and pre-approved, it will take 3 to 4 weeks to process the loan.
SC Teacher Loan
  • Priority Deadline - April 15: Application is typically available February 1 — funding is limited, so apply early.
  • The original application must be submitted to 309 Edwards Hall before the loan application can be processed. Make sure the application is for the correct academic year.
  • The Office of Student Financial Aid receives loan approvals in July.

 Timeline
August
  • FRESHMEN - Apply for admission.
  • FRESHMEN - Review application and deposit deadlines for housing, financial aid, orientation, etc.
  • ALL STUDENTS - Start and maintain a good system of record keeping.
  • ALL STUDENTS - Satisfy University fees by paying the balance on the iROAR portal.
  • STUDENTS WITH STATE SCHOLARSHIPS - If you are seeking to regain a scholarship for an upcoming academic year, you must submit the Request for Academic Forgiveness form to 104 Sikes Hall before the first day of class of the fall semester.
September
  • ALL STUDENTS - Be sure you are meeting the credit hour enrollment requirement for each of your financial aid awards as of midnight on the last day to drop classes without a W based on the academic calendar. For more information, please see the Enrollment Requirements section of the Terms and Conditions. Withdrawing from a class later may impact your Federal Pell Grant.
October
November
  • ALL STUDENTS - Complete FREE online scholarship searches.
  • FRESHMEN - Research local scholarships with high school, parents' employers, place of worship and community sources.
  • FRESHMEN - Check with your high school to apply for Palmetto Fellows if a South Carolina resident (More information on eligibility requirements.)
December
  • FRESHMEN - Make sure to apply for admission by the priority deadline of December 1 and finish the Admissions process, along with the submission of ACT/SAT scores, by December 31.
January
  • ALL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS - Monitor credit hours and grades needed for scholarship renewal(s).
February
  •  ALL STUDENTS - Plan for summer school if needed.
March
  • UPPERCLASSMEN - Make sure the FAFSA has been completed before the April 1 deadline for upperclassmen.
  • ALL STUDENTS - Respond promptly to all email requests from the financial aid office (verification forms, copies of IRS Tax Return Transcripts, etc.).
April
  • FRESHMEN - Accept your financial aid via the iROAR portal when notified.
  • FRESHMEN - Analyze and compare award letters from all schools if undecided.
May
  • FRESHMEN - Commit to Clemson University by May 1.
  • NEW STUDENTS WITH FEDERAL LOANS - Complete entrance loan counseling and sign Master Promissory Note at www.studentloans.gov.
June
  • UPPERCLASSMEN - Accept your financial aid via the iROAR portal when notified.
  • ALL STUDENTS - Determine remaining out-of-pocket expenses and apply for Parent PLUS loan or private loan if needed. More information.
July
  • STUDENTS WITH FEDERAL WORK STUDY - Obtain Federal Work-Study job (if awarded) through the secure website when notified.