Diversity Scholarships
Clemson's commitment to diversity is founded on the belief that intellectual, social and cultural diversity are essential to the educational process.
Scholarship programs have been developed to attract a diverse and talented student body. First-year students who apply for admission and submit all required materials to Clemson by the regular decision deadline of January 2 and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline of January 2 are automatically considered for these awards.
All first-year students will be automatically considered for each diversity scholarship for which they are eligible.
Clemson Career Workshop
DescriptionClemson University’s Office of College Preparation and Outreach in the Division of Inclusion and Equity 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.
Division of Inclusion and Equity Clemson Career Workshop (CCW)
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 and submit all required admissions materials by January 2. Submit the FAFSA by January 2.
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 South Carolina public high schools with a majority underrepresented enrollment 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 and submit all required admissions materials by January 2. Submit the FAFSA by January 2.
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 that enroll at Clemson University are eligible to receive a scholarship that covers tuition, required fees, room, board and a stipend for books/supplies.
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.”
Timeline
Complete application and submit all required admissions materials by January 2. Submit the FAFSA by January 2.
Consideration Criteria
- High school academic record.
- Financial need as defined by the FAFSA.
- First-generation status as reported on the FAFSA.
Gateway Scholarships
Description
Gateway Scholarships are given to underrepresented populations regardless of residency status. Currently, any first-year student with exceptional financial need and/or first-generation status is considered for this award.
Timeline
Complete application and submit all required admissions materials by January 2. Submit the FAFSA by January 2.
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 and submit all required admissions materials by January 2. Submit the FAFSA by January 2.
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.
Timeline
Complete application and submit all required admissions materials by January 2. Submit the FAFSA by January 2.
Consideration Criteria
- Academic achievement as demonstrated by high school performance and SAT/ACT scores.
- Personal background as demonstrated by race and ethnicity, gender and geographic origin.
- Interpersonal skills as demonstrated by extracurricular activities, community service and work experience.
- Additional conditions might apply to specific programs.
Raise Me Scholarships
Description
Raise Me is a new way to earn money for college. Create a profile, add details about your classes and extracurriculars, and earn micro-scholarships for your work inside and outside the classroom.
Timeline
Begin building your profile in ninth grade and continue to make updates with your classes and involvement through senior year.
Consideration Criteria
- Attend in-state high school with 70 percent or more students on free or reduced lunch.
- Students must meet applicable deadlines and report accomplishments through the Raise Me site.
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.
Timeline
Students must meet all other admissions and financial aid deadlines to qualify for additional merit and need based scholarship consideration.
