Clemson University named one of Princeton Review’s 'Best Value Colleges'

Published: February 5, 2013

By Hannah Kunkel

CLEMSON – Clemson University is one of the nation's 75 best values in public colleges and universities according to “The Princeton Review Best Value Colleges: 2013 Edition,” announced Tuesday by The Princeton Review and USA TODAY.

Clemson Financial Aid Director Chuck Knepfle was pleased by the recognition. “While hardly a surprise, it is fitting to see Clemson recognized as one of the best values in higher education,” said Knepfle. “In addition to the generous state scholarships available to South Carolina residents, the amount of scholarship dollars available to incoming students has increased significantly in the last few years. This validates what we have been seeing for some time.”

Current average in-state tuition and fees at Clemson are $12,674 and out-of-state are $29,600.

In its profile of Clemson, the book's editors at The Princeton Review praise the school for providing “a diverse yet comprehensive educational experience at an affordable cost.” They quoted one happy student as saying, “I wanted to be a part of the Clemson family, and the price was right. I received full scholarship and stipend, and thus Clemson became the best value for an education.”

According to the profile, Clemson professors “strike an amazing balance between their lives as teachers and researchers,” allowing students to gain a respected degree while working alongside leading researchers in their field.

One student said, “My professors at Clemson have been engaging, encouraging students to not only learn the information being presented, but also to apply it. I truly enjoy attending class at Clemson because the professors make the topics interesting.” Since most classes at Clemson have fewer than 20 students, professors are able to personally know their students and explore innovative ways of teaching.

In a section titled “Bang for your Buck,” the editors reference the opportunities Clemson provides students to apply what is learned in class to real-life situations and build invaluable contacts, making them “strong contenders in today’s job market.”

The Princeton Review designates 150 institutions – 75 public and 75 private -- as "best values" based on assessments that examined more than 30 data points covering academics, cost, and financial aid. Data for this project came from institutional and student surveys conducted at 650 colleges and universities from fall 2011 through fall  2012.

Robert Franek, Princeton Review's Senior VP/Publisher, said, "We commend Clemson University and all of our extraordinary 2013 'Best Value Colleges' for their stellar academics and for all they are doing to make their colleges affordable, especially for applicants with need in these tough economic times."

About Clemson University

Clemson University offers countless opportunities for students, faculty and community members to participate in decades of tradition, improve quality of life for their surrounding communities and pursue academic challenges. Ranked as the 25th best national public university by U.S. News and World Report, Clemson is a vibrant. student-centered community that thrives on leadership, collaboration and a winning spirit — in academics, athletics and life.

To become one of the country’s top-tier research universities, Clemson University has combined the scientific and technological horsepower of a major research university with the academic and social environment of a small college. Just as founder Thomas Green Clemson intertwined his life with the state’s economic and educational development, this university’s students and faculty impact lives daily with their research and service.

About The Princeton Review

Founded in 1981, The Princeton Review (www.PrincetonReview.com) is a privately held education services company headquartered in Framingham, MA. The Company has long been a leader in helping students achieve their education and career goals through its test preparation services, tutoring and admissions resources, online courses, and more than 150 print and digital books published by Random House, Inc. The Princeton Review delivers its programs via a network of more than 5,000 teachers and tutors in the U.S.A., Canada, and international franchises. The Company also partners with schools and guidance counselors worldwide to provide students with college readiness, test preparation and career planning services.  

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