Clemson University is South Carolina’s public land-grant research university, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Clemson. The institution was founded in 1889 through the bequest of Thomas Green Clemson, whose plan called for a practical school that would strengthen agriculture, science and industry in the state. Clemson opened as Clemson Agricultural College and retained a strong military and technical character for much of its early history. Over time it developed into a comprehensive university with broad strengths in engineering, computing, agriculture, business, science, architecture, education, the humanities, social sciences and health-related fields. Its land-grant identity remains visible in Cooperative Extension, agricultural research and statewide service, while the main campus supports a large residential undergraduate population and an expanding research enterprise. Academically, Clemson combines more than 80 undergraduate majors with a substantial graduate portfolio. Students can study engineering disciplines such as mechanical, civil, electrical, computer, industrial, chemical and biosystems engineering; business fields such as accounting, finance, management, marketing and economics; sciences including biological sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics and genetics; and professional or applied areas such as architecture, nursing, education, construction science and management, parks, recreation and tourism management, and agriculture. The Graduate School supports master’s, doctoral, specialist and certificate options across more than 100 graduate-level programs, including research-intensive study in engineering, science, agriculture, computing, education and the social sciences. Research and experiential learning are central to Clemson’s current identity. The university reports substantial externally funded research activity, with emphasis on advanced materials, automotive and mobility systems, energy, computing, health innovation, agriculture, food systems, sustainability, manufacturing and environmental work. Undergraduate students can join faculty research, honors education, cooperative education, internships, study abroad and the University Professional Internship and Co-op programs. Clemson’s connection to the Upstate economy and major employers gives students access to manufacturing, engineering, automotive, technology, health care and public-sector opportunities while preserving the close-knit culture associated with a traditional college town. First-year admission is selective and holistic. Clemson accepts applications through its undergraduate application process and requires applicants to self-report high-school coursework through STARS. Standardized testing is optional, so applicants may decide whether ACT or SAT scores strengthen their files. Academic performance, curriculum strength and the context of the student’s record are important considerations. Costs differ sharply by residency: for 2026-27, published annual tuition and fees are $15,870 for South Carolina residents and $42,852 for nonresidents, before housing, food and other expenses. Clemson also offers recruiting, need-based and named scholarships, including the highly selective National Scholars Program, which covers the full cost of attendance and adds enrichment opportunities. Career preparation is integrated across the institution through the Center for Career and Professional Development, cooperative education, internships, employer recruiting and college-based career resources. Clemson reports that internships and co-ops improve the likelihood of receiving and accepting full-time offers after graduation. Recent university fact reporting indicates that about 68% of graduates are employed full time within an average of six months and about 17% continue to graduate or professional school. These outcomes, combined with Clemson’s land-grant service mission, research scale and strong alumni network, make the university a major public higher-education institution in South Carolina and the Southeast.