Transfer FAQs

We are glad you are considering a degree at Clemson. As there is a lot to consider when transferring schools, we will provide the information you need to ensure a smooth transition.

Transfer students come from two and four-year institutions across the state of South Carolina and the country. If you plan to transfer into CECAS from your institution, you are highly encouraged to contact the Clemson University Admissions Office at (864) 656-2287. The Transfer Course Equivalency List (TCEL) can aid in deciding which classes will transfer to Clemson. This listing is NOT all-inclusive but has equivalencies of courses that have been evaluated in the past. Matching equivalent courses to your specific major will help determine how long you should continue at your current school and what classes to enroll in your first semester at Clemson. Many courses will not be listed in the TCEL, or will have "Elective" equivalency, or may be outdated.  We can review your course for Clemson credit with the review of a full syllabus, including a Topical Outline.

What do I need to be accepted to Clemson?

You'll need to complete 30 semester or 45 quarter hours and earn a cumulative grade point ratio (GPR) of at least a 2.7 to be admitted into the General Engineering program (3.0 is preferred). We prefer that students have taken applicable Math, Science and Engineering courses (if possible) prior to transfer to ensure they will be successful in our programs.

How do I get accepted to Clemson?

The Admissions Office reviews all applications and determines eligibility. Your application must be completed and official transcripts received before you are considered for acceptance. Recommended deadlines are posted on the Transfer Admissions site. Familiarize yourself with all transfer admission requirements and dates.

Most other transfers are accepted directly into their major. Why was I accepted into General Engineering (GE) and not my intended engineering major?

GE is the first-year program for all students who wish to major in engineering at Clemson. All students complete a core set of preparatory courses before moving into the desired major. Once those courses are completed, GE students move into their engineering degree program. Some majors have additional requirements.

When do I move into my engineering major?

Once you complete all the core courses and requirements set by the individual engineering department. To see the first-year coursework in GE, check the Clemson Undergraduate Announcements. By following the GE curriculum closely at your school, you may be able to change into your engineering major when you enroll. If, at orientation, we determine that you have completed all the GE required courses and have the minimum GPR required, we will move you into your engineering major. To move from General Engineering into Bioengineering students need a minimum 3.0 GPA. To move from General Engineering to Automotive Engineering, there will be an additional application process.

What if there is no course equivalent listed in the TCEL? Can a course be reviewed by Clemson to determine if it is equivalent?

Yes. If not listed, the course must be reviewed by the academic department at Clemson that teaches it. A full  syllabus for each course including a topic outline should be sent to the CECAS Transfer Coordinator for review (kt@clemson.edu). First, compare your school's description of the course to Clemson's catalog description to ensure that it is similar in content and credit hours. Please allow 2-3 weeks for courses to be reviewed.

If a course transfers, will it apply toward my degree?

Not always. To ensure maximum progress toward your intended engineering or science degree, familiarize yourself with the curriculum. You may find that information on the department's website, or in the online catalog. Compare the courses in the curriculum with courses listed in the TCEL. If the course is an equivalent it most likely can be used toward your degree. General Education requirements can be very specific for engineering and science majors so an equivalent course may not always be applicable.

What about elective courses?

Most Clemson engineering degrees do not include elective courses. Any equivalent course that you take that is not a part of the curriculum is considered an excess-elective and not applied to your degree. Your best strategy is to follow your intended engineering courses as closely as possible at your present school. Check the Clemson engineering department websites frequently. Requirements can change.

How much does it cost to attend Clemson?

Information on tuition, housing, textbooks, and other costs are available on the Undergraduate Admissions website. Check frequently since this information is subject to change at any time.

What about financial aid? Do I qualify for loans, scholarships or other assistance?

General information about Financial Aid can be found on the website. Assistance is based on individual need and varies widely. CECAS personnel does not know all the rules for qualifying, so it is best to consult a financial aid counselor for the most accurate information.

College is expensive and I need to work. Can I do that and still graduate?

With careful planning and a realistic attitude toward graduation, you may. However, engineering and science degrees are rigorous and challenging. Keeping up with assignments, preparing for tests and completing projects will take more time than you are used to. There are a lot of out-of-class requirements that will occupy your time as well. You may need to be a part-time student, enrolled in fewer than 12 hours per semester. Clemson does not offer evening classes. You will have to balance school, work, and family obligations. This can be difficult. Here are some recommendations we have found to be applicable to students who work while majoring in engineering and science.

Once you reach junior and senior-level courses, it becomes more difficult to balance a job and school since major classes may be offered only at certain times of the day or only during a certain semester. You may have to make some difficult choices or plan to take longer to complete your degree. Start thinking about that now. It may be necessary to save money now in order to keep moving forward later on.

There's so much to think about. How can I get help?

Right from the start make sure you use all the resources that Clemson and the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences provides. A lot of information is available on websites, but there are people to help as well. Don't hesitate to contact someone in Transfer Admissions, Financial Aid, or the Registrar’s Office if you need help. Remember, the more you plan ahead, the easier transferring to Clemson will be.