Named Scholarship Programs

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

Clemson 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.

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 Career Workshop (CCW)

Timeline 

Students must meet all other admissions and financial aid deadlines to qualify for additional merit and need-based scholarship consideration.

• Students who go through the CCW program and enroll at Clemson are eligible.

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.

• High school academic record.
• Financial need as defined by the FAFSA.
• First-generation status as reported on the FAFSA.
  
  

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.

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.

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.