Interested in applying to Clemson University? This public research university is a popular choice for students looking for a college experience that has it all: excellent academics, a fun social life, compelling research opportunities, and an engaged alumni network located in the inviting subtropical climate of Clemson, South Carolina. But the data shows that Clemson isn’t getting any easier to get into. Not that that should come as a surprise to loyal readers of Ivy Coach’s college admissions blog. In recent admissions cycles, we’ve reported on the increasing admissions competitiveness across schools nationwide. Clemson is no exception to this rule, but it’s really only been in recent years that the average applicant has faced rejection from this school and not acceptance. It’s a sign of the times, to be sure, but it’s not without a proper explanation.

Are you ready and rearing to get into the data? We sure hope so! Let’s unpack the numbers!

Clemson University Acceptance Rate Over 14 Years

Clemson University Class Year	Overall Acceptance Rate
Class of 2029	Not Yet Released
Class of 2028	Not Yet Published
Class of 2027	38.05%
Class of 2026	42.98%
Class of 2025	49.00%
Class of 2024	61.94%
Class of 2023	51.26%
Class of 2022	47.19%
Class of 2021	47.18%
Class of 2020	50.54%
Class of 2019	51.27%
Class of 2018	51.52%
Class of 2017	57.87%
Class of 2016	60.03%
Class of 2015	57.66%
Class of 2014	64.52%
Class of 2013	57.60%

Between the Class of 2013 and the Class of 2017, the acceptance rate at Clemson hovered between 57.6% and 64.52% without trending in any direction in particular. The Class of 2018 would usher in an era of slightly lower acceptance at Clemson for the following few years, and it wouldn’t be until the Class of 2024 that the acceptance rate would experience a significant hike, from 51.26% to 61.94%. What accounts for it jumping by 10% over just one admissions cycle? It might have something to do with the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused certain applicants to shy away from the prospect of attending remote online courses.

In any event, this spike in acceptance would be short-lived at Clemson, as by the time the Class of 2025 was applying, 49% were admitted — a figure which has only steadily declined since, likely because of the presence of “squeakers” in the applicant pool. “Squeezers” is Ivy Coach’s term for those students who attempt to get into a school for which they aren’t qualified by applying without test scores and taking advantage of test-optional policies. When Clemson introduced test-optional admissions in response to the pandemic, their application pool was subsequently flooded with these types of students, thus driving down acceptance rates over the next few years since these students very rarely make it past the prying eyes of admissions officers and into the schools to which they apply.

What is great news for admissions officers at Clemson might be giving future applicants a reason to doubt their chances. But all hope is not lost for those college-bound students intent on calling Clemson their home for the next four years — admission is still within reach!

Ivy Coach’s Assistance With Clemson Acceptance

At Ivy Coach, our team of former elite college admissions officers has optimized students’ odds of admission to Clemson for over 25 years. We do this by helping craft singular hooks that are positively irresistible to Clemson admissions officers. Your singular hook is the unique, specific, and often small way you’ll set yourself apart from other applicants. Instead of walking you down the misguided path of the well-rounded applicant, an approach that hasn’t worked since the 1980s, we’ll work with you to help you distinguish yourself and give admissions officers faith that you’re worth taking a chance on. With Ivy Coach by your side, you can be confident in your chances.

To get started, fill out our complimentary consultation form, and we’ll contact you with an outline of our services.