A list of all University scholarships and their criteria can be found on this web site (Scholarship Listing).
WILL I QUALIFY FOR A FEDERAL GRANT?
Students with significant need may be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG). These grants are awarded to students whose families have very little resources for college according to the results of their FAFSA. For example, a dependent student in a family of four, whose parents' adjusted gross income is less than $30,000, would be likely to receive federal grant assistance. Eligibility varies depending on family size, number of children in college, assets and the student's income.
WILL I HAVE TO OBTAIN A LOAN?
A little less than half of Clemson's graduates borrow funds to finance part of their education. Subsidized or low-interest loans are a desirable resource for meeting college costs. Students with financial need may be eligible for the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan and the Federal Perkins Loan. For parents who need assistance with the remainder of college costs, the Federal PLUS loan is available. Almost all applicants are eligible for some type of loan assistance, regardless of income level or creditworthiness.
CAN I WORK TO PAY PART OF MY COSTS?
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides jobs for
students who establish eligibility through the submission
of the FAFSA. Students are paid biweekly and are placed
in jobs that match their academic major and personal interests
whenever possible. Freshmen work-study employees typically
work 10-12 hours per week. Students who do not qualify
for FWS may still obtain employment on campus and in the
community. Check with the Michelin Career
Center for opportunities.
HOW WILL CLEMSON KNOW THAT I HAVE FINANCIAL NEED?
To help us determine your financial need, you must complete
the FAFSA and list Clemson University (Federal School
Code 003425) as one of your college choices. The FAFSA
can be mailed to the federal processor or submitted electronically. A federal formula
will calculate your financial situation compared to Clemson's
cost of attendance. If you demonstrate financial need,
you will be eligible for subsidized financial aid. Even
if you do not have need according to this federal formula,
you can still receive an unsubsidized loan, on which interest
accrues while you are enrolled.
WHEN SHOULD I APPLY?
Entering freshmen are automatically considered for Academic Recruiting Scholarships if the admissions process is completed by December 31. Freshmen who apply for admission by March 1 will automatically receive a financial aid information packet in the mail. Those who apply later need to request this from our office. Continuing undergraduate students are also automatically considered for University scholarships.
You should submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 each year. In order to be considered for need-based scholarships, the processor must receive your completed FAFSA by February 15. The priority deadline for the Federal Supplemental Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work-Study and South Carolina Need-Based Grant is April 1. April 1 is also the suggested deadline to apply for the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Stafford Loan. You do not have to be accepted for admissions first to apply for financial aid.
WHEN WILL I HEAR ABOUT MY FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE?
Entering freshmen are awarded Academic Recruiting Scholarships
by March 1 and General University Scholarships by May
1. Clemson begins awarding other forms of aid for freshmen
in April for the following fall semester. Entering freshmen
with completed applications are notified of their financial
aid packages in late April. However, we continue to process
aid during the summer and even after the fall semester
starts. You may apply at any time, but remember that some
programs have deadlines and it can take up to 12 weeks
for your aid to be available. For upperclassmen, renewable
scholarships are awarded in March while all other processing
begins as soon as spring semester grades are posted.
When you receive a scholarship, grant or work-study award, you will recieve a Clemson University award letter. Signing an award letter does not prevent you from accepting additional aid later. When Clemson certifies a Federal Stafford Loan, we will notify you that the lender is processing your loan application. Before the lender will approve your loan, you may need to sign a promissory note that the lender will send you. Be careful to read and follow the instruction on any form that you recive regarding financial aid.
If necessary, Clemson may ask you to submit
additional information or copies of your family's tax
returns for a federally mandated process called "Verification."
To speed processing, please respond as quickly as you
can and make sure all forms are signed and complete. We
will process your aid as soon as possible, but we must
follow strict federal guidlines if your application is
selected for review.
HOW MUCH DOES CLEMSON COST?
Tuition and fees for in-state students are approximately
$10,000 for the academic year (fall and spring semesters).
Out-of-state students pay approximately $24,000 per year.
Your dormitory room, meals and books cost about $7,400
per year. You must also take into account your personal
and transportation costs. You will receive a bill in July
for the fall semester and another in December for the
spring semester.
WHAT ARE MY PAYMENT OPTIONS?
To aviod lump sum payments, families may enroll in the University's tuition payment plan, and make 10 monthly payments beginning in June. Clemson University also accepts payment through MasterCard, VISA and Discover. Families who pay all or part of their tuition with loans or with their own resources may qualify for federal tax credits, such as the HOPE Scholarshhip Tax Credit or the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit, which reduce the amount of federal income tax due the following year.
I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, WHERE CAN I FIND HELP?
You may call the financial aid office at (864)656-2280 or visit us at G-01 Sikes Hall. For your convenience, our voice response system is available around the clock to update you on your application status, request needed documents and inform you of award amounts. Our web site provide more detailed information about federal, state and University programs. The web site also provides useful links to sites such as the US Department of Education and several free scholarship searches.
ANY OTHER ADVICE?
With all the forms, deadlines and acronyms that are involved, financial aid can seem very confusing. Your best strategy is to apply early, read and follow all instructions, keep copies of documents and respond promptly to follow-up requests. Please call on us if you have concerns.