Diversity Scholarships

Diversity on the Clemson University campus, Clemson SC

Clemson’s commitment to diversity is founded on the belief that intellectual, social and cultural diversity are essential ingredients in the educational process.

Scholarship programs have been developed to attract a diverse and talented student body. All applicants are considered for these scholarships with criteria including but not limited to:

  • High school academic record;
  • Financial need as defined by the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid); and/or
  • First Generation status as reported on the FAFSA.

Students who wish to be considered for these awards should submit their Undergraduate Admissions application and all required materials by the Regular Decision deadline of January 2. To be considered for need-based awards, applicants must also submit the FAFSA by January 2 priority deadline. All first year freshmen will be automatically considered for each diversity scholarship for which they are eligible.

  • Emerging Scholars Program

    Since 2002, the Emerging Scholars Program has made higher education a reality for students who did not see college in their future. 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.

    Clemson University is committed to the Emerging Scholars Program and is excited to announce the following scholarship offer:

    • 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 be funded by all offered federal, state and university scholarships and grants, and collectively referred to as the “Emerging Scholars Scholarship.”
    • To be eligible initially, high school seniors who have participated in this program must file the FAFSA by the January 2 deadline for incoming first-year students. The FAFSA can be completed at studentaid.gov.
    • This offer can be renewed, up to eight semesters, annually by maintaining a 2.5 Clemson University GPA, 24 earned credit hours, filing a FAFSA by April 1 each school year, and meeting all requirements set by Emerging Scholars staff members.
  • Clemson Scholars

    The 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.

  • Call Me MISTER®

    The mission of the Call Me MISTER® program (the acronym for Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) is to increase the pool of available teachers from a more diverse background, particularly among the State'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.

    The project provides:

    • Tuition assistance through Federal and State loan forgiveness programs for admitted students pursuing approved programs of study in teacher education at participating colleges.
    • An academic support system to help aid their success.
    • A system for social and cultural support.
    • Assistance with job placement.

    Call Me MISTER® was developed by some of our State’s visionary educational leaders who sincerely believe we can build a better tomorrow by getting you involved today.

  • IPTAY Scholarships

    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 non-athletes through the IPTAY Academic Scholarship Endowment. The scholarship fund is the second largest scholarship of its kind at Clemson and has assisted thousands of students in attending.

  • Gateway Scholarships

    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 are considered for this award.

    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-S.C. 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.

  • Raise Me

    Clemson University offers up to $3,000 in micro-scholarships to high school students who demonstrate certain attributes both in the classroom and extracurricular. Examples include earning an A in a Pre-Calc or Calculus course or holding a leadership role in an extracurricular activity. Eligible students are typically from in-state high schools who have 70% or more of their students on free or reduced lunch. Students must meet applicable deadlines and report accomplishments through the Raise Me site.

  • Orange Carpet Scholarship

    Orange Carpet Scholarships are awarded through Orange Carpet events held annually for prospective students.  Orange Carpet events are by invitation only. 

    The criteria used in evaluating candidates include:

    • academic achievement, as demonstrated by high school performance and SAT/ACT scores;
    • personal background, as demonstrated by race and ethnicity, gender and geographic origin; and
    • interpersonal skills, as demonstrated by extracurricular activities, community service, and work experience.
    • Additional conditions might apply to specific programs.