About the Program
What is the Bridge to Clemson Program?
The Bridge to Clemson Program is a selective academic transfer program offered by invitation only. Often referred to as a “Pathway to Clemson,” the Bridge Program is one type of admission decision first-year applicants receive at Clemson.
If you are invited to participate in the Bridge Program, you will live on Clemson’s campus while taking classes at Tri-County Technical College your first year. Bridge Program staff at Clemson and Tri-County will work closely with you to ensure that the classes you are advised to take at Tri-County fulfill requirements for your Clemson degree.
After completing the academic requirements of the Bridge Program your first year, you will enroll in classes at Clemson beginning your second year.
Program Cost
The Bridge to Clemson Program breaks down fees by organization, as academic and program fees cover costs primarily at Tri-County, and housing, residential and transportation fees cover costs at Clemson University.
The Academic Experience
All faculty at Tri-County have graduate degrees in their field. Over 30 % have earned a Ph.D. Instructors actively present at conferences, and edit or contribute to journals, and serve on external boards.
Tri-County ranks in the top 5% nationally for transfer rates.
Bridge to Clemson offers a challenging academic experience for first-year students and a plethora of resources to help you succeed. Supplemental Instruction, professional advising and a comprehensive Orientation weekend are program-specific academic benefits you will enjoy in the Bridge Program. You’ll also have full access to the academic success services on both Tri-County and Clemson’s campuses.
When it comes to your class schedule, you will work with Bridge Program advisers from Tri-County and Clemson to identify and enroll in courses that fulfill requirements for your intended Clemson major. Then, you’ll take those classes at Tri-County and receive support from both Tri-County and Clemson academic success centers to help you succeed.
Life on Two Campuses
Outside of class, you will live on Clemson’s campus in a Bridge-specific residential community. Your residential housing community will include full-time professional staff, Graduate professional staff, and student staff trained to serve as Residential Community Mentors.
When you live in a Clemson residential community alongside upperclass students, graduate students and full-time staff members dedicated to building relationships with you, your opportunity to engage with the Clemson campus community is enhanced.
Bridge Program staff provides regular updates on campus events at both Tri-County and Clemson, and we encourage you to join student organizations, explore our campus recreation facilities and take advantage of our location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains by exploring the surrounding area with CORE.
Life After Bridge
After successfully completing the academic requirements of the Bridge Program (earning 30 credits and at least a 2.5 GPA from Tri-County Technical College your first year), you will enroll in classes at Clemson your second year. From this point on, your student experience will be at Clemson, and you will graduate from Clemson University after completing your degree requirements.
The time you spent in the Bridge Program and in your major at Clemson will uniquely position you to make a difference in your career and in the community you join after graduation.
Bridge by the Numbers
Top Degrees Earned By Bridge Students
| Marketing | 227 |
|---|---|
| Biological Sciences | 192 |
| Graphic Communications | 128 |
| Financial Management | 128 |
| Construction Science Management | 97 |
| Animal Veterinary Science | 92 |
| Accounting | 88 |
| Management | 502 |
| Psychology | 341 |
| Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management | 324 |
Bridge Program Enrollment
| Year | First-Year Bridge | Bridge-Crossers |
|---|---|---|
| '24 | 1050(projected) | N/A |
| '23 | 1046 | N/A |
| '22 | 1023 | 816 |
| '21 | 1029 | 809 |
| '20 | 1004 | 736 |
| '19 | 951 | 754 |
| '18 | 894 | 692 |
| '17 | 786 | 644 |
- 84%
Five Year Graduating Rate Among Students Who Completed the Bridge Program in 2016 - 82%
STUDENTS RETAINED THEIR LIFE SCHOLARSHIPS WHEN ENTERING CLEMSON AFTER COMPLETING THE BRIDGE PROGRAM, 2018-2020 - 1 out of 10
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS BEGAN THEIR CLEMSON STUDIES IN THE BRIDGE PROGRAM
