Clemson University’s Board of Trustees has approved a freeze on tuition for in-state undergraduate students for the sixth consecutive academic year, beginning in 2025–26. This decision reaffirms the university’s commitment to affordability and access for South Carolina families.
For out-of-state students, tuition will see a 3 percent increase for the upcoming academic year. Despite this adjustment, Clemson’s total cost of attendance for non-resident students remains notably below the average of top public institutions.
This continued tuition freeze for in-state students is largely supported by $12.2 million in tuition mitigation funding provided by the State of South Carolina, with strong backing from Governor Henry McMaster and the General Assembly. The university attributes its ability to maintain high-quality student experiences and academic excellence, even with a tuition freeze, to strategic planning, operational efficiencies, and careful budget management.
The adjustment in out-of-state tuition will support ongoing investments in student success initiatives, academic programs, and research infrastructure. Even with this increase, the overall cost of attendance, including tuition, housing, and dining, remains below 2021 levels when adjusted for inflation.
Clemson University emphasizes its dedication to providing value to students, noting that 99 percent of first-time, in-state students receive state scholarships, and 76 percent of all undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance. Furthermore, a majority of Clemson graduates conclude their studies with no student loan debt, a figure higher than both state and national averages. The university has also consistently been recognized as a “Best Value College” by various national publications.
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