Clemson University Merit Scholarship Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide
Clemson University offers a variety of merit-based scholarships to attract and support academically talented students. These scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education, making Clemson more accessible to deserving individuals. This article provides a detailed overview of the merit scholarship opportunities available at Clemson, including eligibility criteria, application processes, and renewal requirements.
Merit-Based Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen
Clemson University offers several merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen, with some of the more notable scholarships listed below.
National Scholars Program
The National Scholars Program is Clemson's top academic recruiting scholarship. This highly competitive program covers tuition, fees, housing, food, and other expenses. Other educational expenses may include study abroad, specialized coursework, and dedicated mentoring.
Eligibility:
- Incoming first-year students.
- High test scores.
- Academically rigorous high school course load.
- There is also an interview process.
Application Process:
- Students are automatically considered when they apply to the university. There's no separate application for them.
Clemson Scholars Program
The Clemson Scholars Program offers renewable scholarships to both in-state and out-of-state students. These scholarships typically range from $3,500 per year for a total of $10,500. The top students at targeted South Carolina public high schools will be considered for a renewable Clemson Scholars award.
Eligibility:
- Incoming first-year students.
- Impressive academic achievements.
Application Process:
- Students are automatically considered when they apply to the university. There's no separate application for them.
Blue Ridge Electric Co-op Scholars Program
This program is available for upstate South Carolina residents who are members of the Blue Ridge Electric Co-op.
Read also: A Look at Clemson's Student Body
Eligibility:
- Upstate South Carolina residents.
- Members of the Blue Ridge Electric Co-op.
Application Process:
- A separate application is required.
Departmental Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded by the specific colleges within the university, such as the College of Engineering or the College of Business.
Eligibility:
- Varies widely between departments.
Application Process:
- Inquire directly with the specific department of interest.
State-Sponsored Scholarship Programs
Clemson also participates in state-sponsored scholarship programs for South Carolina residents, such as the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship and LIFE Scholarship.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
In addition to the scholarships listed above, Clemson considers all admitted first-year students (in-state or out-of-state) for scholarships funded by special programs, alumni, and other friends of the University. Special programs are reviewed annually for their enrollment objectives within the Clemson Elevate strategic plan.
Out-of-State Tuition Scholarship
Entering Clemson University first-year students who are non-residents of South Carolina are eligible for the Out-of-State Tuition Scholarship. Domestic out-of-state students with an exceptional high school academic record will be considered for a renewable merit award. Out-of-state students who qualify for an academic recruiting scholarship might be offered an amount that covers part or all of the out-of-state tuition differential. Students receiving Out-of-State Tuition Scholarships will receive a named award (typically donor-funded) of up to $500. This named award is included in the total amount of the award offer and is renewable for up to eight semesters.
Need-Based Aid
Students who show financial need through their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application will be considered for renewable grant funds as well as merit awards offered.
Read also: Clemson Admission GPA
Named Scholarship Programs
Named Scholarship Programs are specific awards that have additional consideration criteria.
Breakthrough Scholars Program
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.
Eligibility:
- In-state residents.
- Undergraduate STEM majors.
- Interest in pursuing advanced degrees.
National Merit Scholarship Program
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. Except for former Freshman Award recipients, no additional institutional funds are granted to recipients of any National Merit scholarship.
Lyceum Scholars Program
Open to incoming first-year students of any major, the Lyceum Scholars Program uses a great books approach to studying the moral, political, and economic foundations of a free society. All Lyceum Scholars receive a $60,000 scholarship disbursed over four years at Clemson University.
Eligibility:
- Incoming first-year students of any major.
Application Process:
- Prospective first-year students must complete the Clemson admission application and submit all materials by the Regular Decision deadline.
Clemson Career Workshop (CCW) Scholarships
Clemson University’s Office of College Preparation and Outreach in the Division of Community, Engagement, Belonging and Access offers 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). Even though the students attend summer sessions on Clemson University's campus, the goal of college attendance is not limited to Clemson.
Read also: Your Guide to Clemson Jobs
Eligibility:
- Students who complete the Snelsire, Sawyer, & Robinson Clemson Career Workshop (CCW).
Call Me MISTER® Program
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.
Emerging Scholars Program
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. Even though the students attend summer sessions on Clemson University's campus, the goal of college attendance is not limited to Clemson.
Gateway Scholarships
Gateway Scholarships are given to targeted populations regardless of residency status.
IPTAY Academic Scholarship Endowment
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 nonathletes through the IPTAY Academic Scholarship Endowment, with a special focus on first-generation college students.
Tiger Alliance
Tiger Alliance is a college-access program designed to help create pathways to college and build a college-going culture for high school students in the Upstate of South Carolina. Even though the students attend sessions on Clemson University's campus, the goal of college attendance is not limited to Clemson.
Scholarships for Continuing and Transfer Students
Clemson Foundation Scholarships
Continuing students are automatically considered for Clemson Foundation Scholarships based on a variety of factors including financial need, major, and Clemson GPA. Transfer students are also considered for these scholarships once a Clemson GPA is established. Clemson University Foundation scholarships are awarded based on criteria found in the scholarship fund agreement, academic performance, and amount of other Clemson University Scholarships previously accepted by the student. Students are automatically reviewed and considered for these awards. Applications for these scholarships are open from March 1 to May 1 each year.
James W. and Betty Jo Satterfield Scholarship
The applicant must be a child of a currently employed full-time Clemson University staff (not faculty) member. Scholarships will be awarded based on academic achievement and demonstrated financial need.
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
The applicant must be the child of an active or retired Marine Corps or Marine Reserve personnel.
Application Timeline and Process
First-year students who apply for admission by the regular decision deadline of January 1 and submit all required materials to Clemson by January 10 are automatically considered for first-year recruiting scholarships. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed by January 1 to be considered for need-based scholarships.
- Complete application: by January 1.
- Submit all required admissions materials: by January 10.
- Submit the FAFSA: by January 1.
Scholarship Renewal Criteria
Eligibility for renewable scholarships is dependent on the eligibility criteria established for each award, including GPA, the completion of 12 credits per semester, and available funding from the University and/or donor sources. Unless otherwise noted, a minimum 3.0 GPA is required for renewal. Scholarships are withdrawn immediately if eligibility status is not maintained. Awards are subject to reduction or removal based on other funding received or aid awarded. The University Scholarships and Awards Committee reserves the right to interpret the intent of each scholarship in accordance with the donor’s request.
Renewal criteria for most scholarships are a 3.0 GPA and a minimum of 12 credits completed each semester (24 credits per school year). Scholarship renewal for the following academic year is checked at the end of the previous Spring semester. Renewable awards are reviewed each year and can be renewed for three additional years of continuous undergraduate study.
As a recipient of a University scholarship funded by a donor or by Clemson University, you must meet the following to be eligible and to have the funds payable to your student account. Check iROAR for updates on your scholarships and see comprehensive financial aid terms and conditions information on the financial aid terms and conditions page. The only exception to the above rule is during the final semester prior to graduation. If enrolled in at least 6 credit hours during the last term, a student may receive his/her recruiting scholarship in full.
GPA and Credit Hour Requirements
Renewal for University and state scholarships is based on your cumulative Clemson GPA or LIFE GPA and your earned credit hours. Academic Forgiveness can improve your GPA while reducing your earned credit hours, so you must be aware of all consequences before requesting that a grade be forgiven. Please speak with the Scholarship Office if you have questions about how Academic Forgiveness may affect your scholarship eligibility.
Important Considerations
- First-year recruiting scholarships are only available to incoming first-year students and are extremely competitive. These scholarships range from $500 per year to the full cost of attendance and can be renewed for an additional three years if you maintain the minimum requirements.
- Substantial scholarships (currently defined as more than $5,000) will not be replaced if a student changes their major. Changing majors will not affect the value of less substantial recruiting scholarships offered to you as a first-year student.
- University and state scholarships cannot exceed the total cost of attendance. This limitation applies to all financial aid, including outside scholarships, exemptions and waivers to billable charges, and is based on the cost of tuition and fees, housing, food, books, course materials, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
- Students receiving an out-of-state tuition scholarship may be eligible for an out-of-state waiver during Summer Sessions. The Academic Common Market waiver requires you remain enrolled in the major you were certified in with your home state. If you change your major, you will lose your Academic Common Market waiver.
Scholarships for Graduate Students
Scholarships for graduate students are primarily awarded at the department level. Visit Graduate Student Aid for details on graduate student scholarships.
tags: #clemson #university #merit #scholarship #requirements
