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Financial Aid

Clemson offers financial aid in the following forms:

• grants
• scholarships
• loans
• part-time employment

The amount of need-related aid for which you are eligible is determined by the information you supply annually on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To be considered for need-based scholarships, applicants must also submit the FAFSA to the federal processor by January 2.

There is no separate application process for the majority of scholarships and aid at Clemson. Students who wish to be considered for academic recruiting or diversity scholarships must apply for admissions by Dec. 1 and complete the admissions process by Dec. 31. Please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for additional information.

Students typically will receive an email notification about their financial aid award package in the Spring. If additional aid is needed, there are federal and private loan options or a Tuition Payment Plan available.

In-State Residency

Your eligibility to pay in-state tuition and fees is determined by South Carolina law. If you are unsure of your status concerning payment of in-state tuition and fees, you are responsible for securing a ruling from the University by providing all relevant information on the residency application. These forms and a copy of the S.C. law are available from the Office of Admissions. Complete and return the application at least two weeks before registration for the semester for which you wish the in-state rate to apply.

Entering freshmen should contact the Office of Residency Classification regarding residency status. They assist continuing graduate and undergraduate students with application for entitlement to pay in-state rates on tuition and fees.

International Students

Transfer of Funds

Verification that sufficient funds are available for the student’s entire educational tenure at Clemson is an integral part of the admission process. Clemson University is a state institution funded by public monies. Consequently, all costs are paid at the beginning of each semester or term (August, January and May of each year). There are no funds for international undergraduate financial aid at Clemson. In addition, deferred payment privileges are not extended to international students. Please consider this when applying to your home government for transfer of funds to the United States.

Employment

Generally, U.S. immigration regulations prohibit international students from working during their period of study. Therefore, students must plan to have sufficient funds for the entire length of time they will study in the United States. Although on-campus employment may be available, under no circumstances should a student try to enter the United States with the intention of finding employment to finance his/her studies. Obtaining permission to seek employment off campus because of unforeseen economic hardship is sometimes possible but requires the endorsement of Clemson University’s foreign student adviser and the written approval of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This is available only after the student has satisfactorily completed two semesters of study.

International undergraduates may participate in Clemson’s Cooperative Education program if required by the academic program, which affords participants the opportunity to alternate semesters of work and study in order to gain practical work experience.

Sister-State Agreements

Clemson University is pleased to offer resident (in-state) tuition to citizens of the following countries and states:

State of Rhineland-Palatinate/Rhineland-Pfalz, Germany
State of Thuringen, Germany
State of Brandenburg, Germany
State of Queensland, Australia
Province of Taiwan, Republic of China

Students from these areas who are admitted students to all bachelor’s, master’s, PhD and non-degree programs qualify for resident tuition. The benefit was established through the sister-state agreement between the State of South Carolina and the countries/states listed above. The agreement is extended at will by the Clemson University. Applicants must be admitted to a program at Clemson University and must demonstrate citizenship in the country/state. The tuition benefit is applicable throughout all years of study in a program.

Housing and Dining

All of Clemson’s 24 residence halls and five apartment complexes are within a 10- to 15-minute walk to class. And with our 18 dining halls, cafes, coffee shops and express shops on campus, you’re never far from something to eat or drink. Learn more about our meal plans and offerings on the Housing & Dining website.