Named Scholarship Programs
First-year students who apply for admission to Clemson by the regular decision deadline of January 1, submit all required admissions materials by January 10, and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline of March 1 are automatically considered for these named scholarship programs.
There is no separate scholarship application for these scholarship programs, but the National Scholars Program requires students to apply to the Clemson University Honors College, and the Lyceum Scholar Program requires an application to the program.
All first-year students will be automatically considered for each scholarship program for which they are eligible.
National Scholars
The National Scholars Program offers Clemson's top academic recruiting scholarship (covering tuition, fees, housing, food, and other expenses). Other educational expenses may include study abroad, specialized coursework and dedicated mentoring. Selection is based on a review of top applications to the Clemson University Honors College and a rigorous interview process.
Breakthrough Scholars
The Breakthrough Scholars Program provides financial support (covering tuition, fees, housing, food and other expenses) and dedicated academic and professional development for a select group of undergraduate STEM majors who reside in-state and show interest in pursuing advanced degrees. In addition to the scholarship, the program provides a dedicated advisor, faculty mentor and the opportunity to connect with local-area professionals in science, engineering and health. Research opportunities both on and off campus, across the nation and in other countries are also offered through the Breakthrough Scholars Program. Selection is based on a review of top applications from South Carolina residents to the Clemson University Honors College and a rigorous interview process.
Lyceum Scholars
The Lyceum Scholars Academic Program is America’s first and only university-based academic program dedicated to exploring the moral, political and economic foundations of a free society. Drawing inspiration from the Lyceum School founded by Aristotle in 335 BC Athens, we have created a philosophically oriented and sequentially integrated academic program that presents students with ideas that are fundamental, timeless and life-changing.
National Merit Scholarship
National Merit award recipients are selected by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and reported to Clemson University. Scholars could receive one of three scholarships: Freshmen Award, Corporate-Sponsored Merit Scholarship or Clemson-Sponsored Merit Finalists.
- The Freshman Award is $2,500 and available during the first year. Beginning with new first-year students entering in the 2020-2021 academic year and after, the Freshman Award will remain $2,500, but the award may be renewed annually at $1,500, in the form of a Clemson University scholarship, for the sophomore through senior years.
- The Corporate-Sponsored Merit Scholarship is an amount determined and renewed by National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
- The Clemson-Sponsored Merit Finalists will receive $1,500 per year (beginning for students entering in Fall 2020) renewable for four years total (eight semesters).
Except for former Freshman Award recipients, no additional institutional funds are granted to recipients of any National Merit scholarship. Incoming and returning recipients of any of the above awards should not expect these scholarship funds to be added to their financial aid package until after all public announcements by National Merit have been made, typically in mid-to-late July.
Clemson Career Workshop
DescriptionClemson University’s Office of College Preparation and Outreach in the Division of Community, Engagement, Belonging and Access offers up to $10,000 scholarships for in-state students and up to full out-of-state tuition waivers for students who complete the Snelsire, Sawyer, & Robinson Clemson Career Workshop (CCW). These scholarships will be awarded in addition to state merit scholarships, need-based grants and other private scholarship funds that can be used to offset other fees associated with the total cost of attendance.
Even though the students attend summer sessions on Clemson University's campus, the goal of college attendance is not limited to Clemson. The students are encouraged to apply and attend any college of their choice, with an emphasis on schools in the state of South Carolina.
Timeline
Students must meet all other admissions and financial aid deadlines to qualify for additional merit and need-based scholarship consideration.
Consideration Criteria- Students who go through the CCW program and enroll at Clemson are eligible.
Call Me MISTER®
The mission of the Call Me MISTER® program (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) is to increase the pool of available teachers from a more diverse background, particularly among South Carolina’s lowest-performing elementary schools. Student participants are largely selected from underserved, low-economic and educationally at-risk communities.
The Call Me MISTER® program is contributing to the talent pool of excellent teachers by identifying and supporting students who are literally "touching the future" by teaching children.
Complete application by January 1 and submit all required admissions materials by January 10. Submit the FAFSA by March 1.
Consideration Criteria- High school academic record.
- Financial need as defined by the FAFSA.
- First-generation status as reported on the FAFSA.
Clemson Scholars
DescriptionThe top students at targeted underserved South Carolina public high schools will be considered for a renewable Clemson Scholars award. Selected students from independent schools will also be considered for the Clemson Scholars Scholarship.
TimelineComplete application by January 1 and submit all required admissions materials by January 10. Submit the FAFSA by March 1.
Consideration Criteria- High school academic record.
- Financial need as defined by the FAFSA.
- First-generation status as reported on the FAFSA.
Emerging Scholars
Description
The Emerging Scholars Program's mission at Clemson University is to establish a college-going culture among students in families from the state’s low-economic areas through academic enrichment, developing leadership skills and increasing college preparedness. Students are taught that knowing the basics of reading, writing and math are the most important factors in high school and college completion. These skills are emphasized throughout their participation in the program and more information on the basics of applying to any college or university.
Even though the students attend summer sessions on Clemson University's campus, the goal of college attendance is not limited to Clemson. The students are encouraged to apply and attend any college of their choice, with an emphasis on schools in the state of South Carolina.
Award Amount
Emerging Scholars who enroll at Clemson University are eligible to receive a scholarship that covers tuition, required fees, housing, and food.
This scholarship is a last-dollar award, which means that it will be funded by all offered federal, state and University scholarships and grants and collectively referred to as the “Emerging Scholars Scholarship.”
The final scholarship award amount will be determined when student bills become available for each term.
Timeline
Complete a Clemson admissions application by January 1 and submit all required materials by January 10. Submit the FAFSA by March 1.
Consideration Criteria
- High school academic record.
- Submission of the FAFSA.
- Financial need as defined by the FAFSA.
- First-generation status as reported on the FAFSA.
Please note: The FAFSA must be submitted each academic year for students to continue to receive the Emerging Scholars Award.
The Clemson Meeting Street Pledge
Description
The Meeting Street Scholarship Fund is an outside scholarship program for high-achieving South Carolina students with demonstrated financial need. Clemson is partnered with Meeting Street to offer scholarship recipients who enroll at Clemson University a pledge to cover the costs of tuition, housing, food and required fees.
Award Amount
The award amount totals a student's full cost of tuition, housing, food and required fees.
It is collectively funded by the Meeting Street Scholarship combined with Clemson scholarships, federal grants, state scholarships (SC LIFE or Palmetto Fellows), and need-based aid.
Timeline
Prospective first-year students must complete the Clemson admission application and submit all materials by the Regular Decision deadline. The Meeting Street Scholarship application should be completed by one of their monthly deadlines.
Consideration Criteria
- Qualify for a Meeting Street Scholarship by meeting the eligibility criteria and applying.
- Earn and maintain SC LIFE or Palmetto Fellows.
- Receive a Federal Pell Grant.
- Enroll at Clemson University.
The Clemson Meeting Street Pledge will automatically be awarded to qualifying students.
Maintaining Eligibility
Students can receive The Pledge for each year of attendance as long as they maintain the eligibility and renewal requirements for the Meeting Street Scholarship.
Gateway Scholarships
Description
Gateway Scholarships are given to targeted populations regardless of residency status. Currently, underserved first-year students with exceptional financial need and/or first-generation status are considered for this award.
Timeline
Complete application by January 1 and submit all required admissions materials by January 10. Submit the FAFSA by March 1.
Consideration Criteria
- In-state Gateway Scholarship recipients are reviewed after year two for eligibility. At that point, the student must have earned a 2.5 cumulative GPA and 48 credit hours.
- Domestic non-South Carolina resident Gateway Scholarship recipients are reviewed every year for eligibility. The student must earn a 2.5 cumulative GPA and 24 credit hours each year to be eligible for renewal.
IPTAY Scholarships
Description
Since 1934, IPTAY has been a source of strong, consistent support for the athletic program, student-athletes and the general improvement of the University. With foresight, the organization also supports nonathletes through the IPTAY Academic Scholarship Endowment, with a special focus on first-generation college students. The scholarship fund is the second-largest scholarship of its kind at Clemson and has assisted thousands of students.
Timeline
Complete application by January 1 and submit all required admissions materials by January 10. Submit the FAFSA by March 1.
Orange Carpet Scholarship
Description
Orange Carpet Scholarships are awarded through Orange Carpet events held annually for prospective students. Orange Carpet events are by invitation only. Recruitment efforts focus on targeted, underserved populations.
Timeline
Complete application by January 1 and submit all required admissions materials by January 10. Submit the FAFSA by March 1.
Consideration Criteria
- High academic achievement as demonstrated by high school performance and SAT/ACT scores (if reported).
- Interpersonal skills as demonstrated by extracurricular activities, community service and work experience.
- Additional conditions might apply to specific programs.
Tiger Alliance
Description
Tiger Alliance is a college-access program designed to help create pathways to college and build a college-going culture for African-American and Hispanic ninth- to 12th-grade high school students in the Upstate of South Carolina. Program participants benefit from access to information about college fairs and expos, a mentoring relationship with a current college student, college-prep workshops, college tours and attendance at the Men of Color National Summit hosted by Clemson University. Graduates of Tiger Alliance who enroll at Clemson are offered up to $10,000 annually. These scholarships will be awarded in addition to state merit scholarships, need-based grants and other private scholarship funds that can be used to offset other fees associated with the total cost of attendance.
Even though the students attend sessions on Clemson University's campus, the goal of college attendance is not limited to Clemson. The students are encouraged to apply and attend any college of their choice, with an emphasis on schools in the state of South Carolina.
Timeline
Students must meet all other admissions and financial aid deadlines to qualify for additional merit and need based scholarship consideration.
