Types of Financial Aid at Clemson
As a public research institution, Clemson has programs in place to help students fund their education. Explore the many resources available and see how you might accomplish more than you ever thought possible as a Tiger.
Grants
Federal and state grants provide financial aid to Clemson University undergraduate and graduate students. Grants don’t need to be repaid. However, grant funds used for room and board are considered taxable income.
Clemson Scholarships
First-Year Recruiting Scholarships
First-year recruiting scholarships are only available to incoming first-year students and are extremely competitive. 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 will be considered for these scholarships. There is no separate application for first-year recruiting scholarships, but specific scholar programs with financial aid awards do require a separate application.
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.
Transfer and Continuing Student Scholarships
Generous Clemson donors provide funds for one-year, nonrenewable scholarships. Transfer and continuing undergraduate students can apply for Clemson University Foundation scholarships if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Private Scholarships
Private scholarships are scholarships funded by entities other than Clemson University. Students can apply for many outside scholarships and earn financial aid for their degree at Clemson. We provide a list of recommended scholarship search engines and guidance in applying outside scholarships to your Clemson bill.
View Private Scholarships
South Carolina Programs
The state of South Carolina provides financial aid to in-state students through three scholarships: Palmetto Fellows, LIFE and HOPE. Explore state-sponsored financial aid offerings to see what you might qualify for.
View South Carolina ProgramsLoans
Loans can help fill the gap between the cost of attendance and the amounts received through scholarships and grants. It is important to remember, however, that these funds will need to be repaid. There are multiple loan options from federal, state and private agencies supporting Clemson students on their academic journey.
Student Employment
Three programs connect undergraduate and graduate students with jobs to help fund their education at Clemson.
Tax Credits
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South Carolina Tax Credit
To help ease the financial burden for South Carolina college students and their families, the South Carolina General Assembly has recently increased its income tax credit for eligible students for tuition paid to South Carolina colleges and universities.
To claim up to $1,500 in tuition tax credits, you must file a Form SC 1040.
When preparing the South Carolina income tax return, you must complete a Form I-319 Tuition Tax Credit. This form is included with all state individual income tax booklets. To determine if you are eligible and find more information about the tax credit, please visit the South Carolina Department of Revenue Tuition Tax Credit website.
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Federal Tax Credits
There are currently two types of federal tax credits for families to offset tuition costs. These tax credits reduce the amount of federal income tax families must pay. Middle- and lower-income families who do not receive enough gift aid to cover tuition payments will benefit.
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American Opportunity Tax Credit
The American Opportunity Tax Credit is valued up to $2,500 per tax year, per eligible student, for the first four years of postsecondary education. Forty percent of this credit may be refundable.
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Lifetime Learning Tax Credit
The Lifetime Learning Tax Credit is up to $2,000 per year, per family, for an unlimited number of years. This nonrefundable credit varies according to family income, tuition costs and amount of gift assistance received.
To be eligible, a taxpayer must file a tax return, must owe taxes and must claim the student as an exemption (self, spouse or dependent). Additionally, married filers must file jointly. Tax filers should contact their tax adviser for details. Additional information is available in Publication 970 at IRS.gov.
National and State Agencies
Students should investigate sources of financial assistance, such as veterans' educational benefits, Social Security benefits and grants for the disabled through the South Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
