Clemson University Scholarships and Grants
University scholarships and grants are awarded to both entering freshmen and upperclassmen. Scholarship awarding usually occurs twice a year; once in the spring for the next academic year and once in the fall (called make-up awarding) for the spring semester of the current academic year.
Scholarship award amounts and eligibility criteria vary widely. While the number of scholarships grows each year, funding is limited. Because of the high caliber of the applicant pool, many deserving students are not awarded scholarship assistance. All accepted entering freshmen and enrolled continuing students will be automatically considered for each University-administered scholarship for which they are eligible. Transfer students must have completed one full-time semester at Clemson University before they will be considered for University scholarships. Students must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens (eligible for federal Title IV aid) to qualify for consideration. Official registrar office records will be consulted to determine major, class, GPR and other selection criteria. It is not necessary to apply for a particular scholarship or have prior knowledge of eligibility criteria except for a few select restricted scholarships. These specific scholarships are listed in the "Restricted" section below.
There are four main categories of scholarships at Clemson University:
- Academic Recruiting (available to entering freshmen only)
- Diversity
- Restricted
- Special Programs
For more information please click on the types listed below: » View Full Listing of University Scholarships
Academic Recruiting
The National Scholars Program offer's Clemson"s top academic recruiting scholarship (covering tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses) as well as extensive educational enrichment opportunities (study abroad, specialized coursework, dedicated mentoring). Selection is based on a review of top applications to the Calhoun Honors College and a rigorous, in-person interview process. » More information
Other academic recruiting scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded to entering freshmen on the basis of their admissions applications, beginning in the fall. A financial aid application is not required.
These scholarships are renewable for an additional three years of continuous undergraduate study for students who continue to meet the minimum prescribed academic criteria. The criteria are usually a cumulative 3.0 GPR and a minimum of 12 credits completed each semester. Academic standing will be monitored at the end of each academic year in May. Recipients who do not meet the scholarship criteria for renewal can make up their deficiencies in summer school and submit a letter of appeal.
Academic recruiting scholarships awarded to out-of-state residents can include a companion Out-of-State Tuition Scholarship that covers part or all of the out-of-state tuition and fee differential (unless otherwise noted). The Out-of-State Tuition Scholarship is available only during periods of enrollment when the recipient is eligible to receive the recruiting scholarship stipend. Stipends indicated in the scholarship listing are maximums. Awards may be reduced because of funding or other aid awarded.
- Students who wish to be considered for Academic Recruiting Scholarships should apply for admissions by Dec. 1 and complete the admissions process by Dec. 31.
- Renewable scholarships are reviewed each year and can be renewed only for three additional years of continuous undergraduate study.
- Renewable scholarships are not renewed automatically; consideration will be given for scholarship continuation based on all eligibility requirements, other aid awarded and available funding.
- Continued eligibility is dependent on the eligibility criteria established for each scholarship, including the minimum GPR requirement and the satisfactory completion of 12 credits per semester. Unless otherwise noted, a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPR is required for renewal of Academic Recruiting Scholarships. Academic standing will be monitored in May.
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Freshman Recruiting Scholarships 2012-2013 All incoming freshmen who file the FAFSA by Clemson’s March 1st priority deadline are considered for Federal Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), and all Federal loan programs. South Carolina residents are considered for Palmetto Fellows (application available through high schools), LIFE, HOPE, and SC Need-based Grants through the state. Over 98% of all in-state Clemson freshmen receive either the Palmetto Fellows or LIFE scholarship. South Carolina Residents(A student may receive only one of the Trustee Scholarship, Clemson Scholars or Palmetto Pact.) Trustee Scholarship
Clemson Scholars
Palmetto Pact Scholarship
Note: Students with a Palmetto Fellows award who enroll in the College of Engineering and Science will receive an additional one-time freshman award of $3300, which can be replaced by $3300 of state funds for the students’ sophomore, junior and senior years if the student meets the requirements for the Palmetto Fellows enhancement. As an add-on to the scholarships listed above, Palmetto Fellows who score at least a 1350 SAT (CR+M) or 31 ACT will receive the Presidential Scholarship which is worth an additional $2500 annually. Out-of-State (Domestic) StudentsNon-Resident Merit Scholarship
Clemson Non-Resident Grant
In addition to the awards listed above, Clemson considers all admitted freshmen (in-state or out-of-state) for our restricted scholarships, which are usually donated by alumni and other friends of the University and awarded to incoming students. Typically, about 15% of our admitted students are offered one of these scholarships. The preceding list is not inclusive of every scholarship our incoming freshmen may be offered, nor are the awarding and renewability requirements complete as listed here. Test scores need to be received by Clemson on or before March 1st. * Students applying to Clemson from secondary schools which do not calculate class rank will still be considered for merit scholarships. |
Diversity
Clemson strives to offer outstanding academic programs to a diverse student body.The University’s commitment to diversity is founded in the knowledge that intellectual, social and cultural diversity are essential ingredients in the educational process.
As part of Clemson’s effort to create a diverse student body, several academic scholarships have been developed. All accepted applicants are considered for these scholarships. With the exception of the Clemson Scholars Program, the criteria used in evaluating candidates include:
- academic achievement, as demonstrated by high school performance and SAT/ACT scores;
- personal background, as demonstrated by race and ethnicity, gender and geographic origin; and
- interpersonal skills, as demonstrated by extracurricular activities, community service and work experience.
- Additional conditions might apply for specific programs.
Students who wish to be considered for diversity scholarships should apply for admissions by Dec. 1 and complete the admissions process by Dec. 31. To be considered for need-based scholarships, applicants must also submit the FAFSA by March 1. All accepted entering freshmen will be automatically considered for each diversity scholarship for which they are considered eligible. Official registrar office records will be consulted to determine selection criteria.
Restricted
Recipients of Restricted University Scholarships are selected under polices set forth by the University Scholarships and Awards Committee in early spring, with recipients being notified in late April.
No scholarship application is required, but admissions acceptance must be finalized before consideration can be given to prospective recipients. The awarding of need-based scholarships requires the receipt of a processed FAFSA that should be submitted directly to the federal processor by March 1 to allow ample processing time.
It is not necessary to apply for a particular scholarship or have prior knowledge of eligibility criteria except for the following programs:
- James W. and Margaret Grainger Clark Scholarship Trust Fund
- Staff Senate Annual Scholarships
- Olivia Jackson McGee Endowed Scholarship
- Pierce-Elizabeth Rogers Scholarship
- Mack & Evelyn B. Taunton Memorial Scholarship
If you meet the qualifications of any of these specific scholarships, please send a letter (or email) to the Student Financial Aid Office stating your qualifications. Be sure to include your full name and 9-digit CUID number in your correspondence.
Scholarships awarded to freshmen are based on high school records, entrance examination scores and other qualifications established by the appropriate selection committee. Scholarships are restricted to full-time undergraduate students unless otherwise noted. Transfer students must complete one full-time semester at Clemson University before they will be considered for University scholarships.
- Students who wish to be considered for restricted University scholarships should complete the admissions process by March 1. To be considered for need-based scholarships, applicants must also submit the FAFSA to the federal processor by March 1.
- New or un-awarded scholarships are awarded during the fall make-up period. Students who were accepted after the scholarship deadline, as well as students previously considered, will be reconsidered after Oct. 15.
- Renewable scholarships are reviewed each year and can be renewed only when funded for three additional years of continuous undergraduate study.
- Continued eligibility is dependent on the eligibility criteria established for each scholarship, including the minimum GPR requirement and the satisfactory completion of 12 credits per semester. Unless otherwise noted, a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPR is required for renewal.
- Renewable scholarships are not renewed automatically; consideration will be given for scholarship continuation based on all eligibility requirements, other aid awarded and available funding.
- Scholarships are withdrawn immediately if the eligibility status is not maintained.
- Stipends indicated are maximums; awards may be reduced due to funding or other aid awarded.
- The University Scholarships and Awards Committee reserves the right to interpret the intent of each scholarship in accordance with the donor’s request. In most cases, the donor’s first preference only is listed.
Special Programs
Special programs administered by Clemson University provide financial assistance to students involved in specific activities. These sources of aid recognize participation in designated extracurricular activities or academic programs. Voluntary withdrawal from participation in the activity results in the immediate cancellation of the grant-in-aid.Students should check with their departments and colleges about the availability of scholarships not directly administered by the University. Faculty members often help administer grants and support from outside sources.