I’m currently in high school and I’m very interested in Clemson! According to the net price calculator, I’m only going to get $7,500, so I would be in a lot of debt if I went there. I want to know if Clemson is worth all the debt. Please tell me everything that is good and bad about Clemson! Thanks! I can’t wait to visit so I can see for myself!
Bad:
Some majors are very competitive. (Namely Engineering and Nursing).
It is reasonably rural. If you are looking something other than a Walmart or a Grocery store you will probably have to drive to get there. And I have heard bad things about the parking services.
I am assuming you are an Out of State Student, and the drive/fly could be difficult depending on your situation. For most people, it is not a convenient drive or location.
Personally, I believe that the good far outweighs the bad.
Good:
Easy Application Process - (All you need is to fill out the online application, send in a transcript, and have the testing agency send your ACT/SAT test scores.) You don’t even have to write an essay or get recommendations. (Even their early application deadline is December 1st, so you have plenty of time.)
You will get credit for a course if your score a 3 or above on the AP exam. If that affects you, you that information in on their website. The AP scores they accept is academically one of the best things about the University from my standpoint.
One of the most interesting things about Clemson is that it is a name school. People far and wide have heard of it and know it to be a good school. To me, this also speaks volumes. It is one of the “Southern Ivy-Leagues” It is a public institution, so it doesn’t cost $60,000 a year, like Vanderbilt which is also on of the “Souther Ivy-Leagues”. But you are correct that it is much more expensive to go to an out of state school.
Personally, Clemson is my dream school, so the fact that it is a little rural is not really a big issue. The Downtown area is perfect for me. It kinda has an up and coming small town vibe to it. For most people it really isn’t an issue, but if you are looking to go somewhere urban, it probably isn’t for you.
The people are very very nice. I went on a campus visit, and it really sealed the deal for me.
Over 90% of graduating seniors say that, if they were to do it over, they would still want to go to Clemson.
The students are very happy there. And everyone loves Clemson. The school has really great traditions, and everyone talks about the University feeling like home. People are not kidding when they talk about their “Clemson family”
It’s a great university, and has a lot of interesting research going on.
They have many really great new buildings, and every program has something interesting about it.
On whether or not it is worth the debt, I would consider your major. Clemson has a really wonderful Engineering program and there are a lot of great Agriculture majors. But there are of course going to be some programs that are average. I would say that in the long run if money is a concern, don’t spend more that you feel like you have to. At the end of the day, you go to college to learn.
If you visit and really like it, you could always try to get your test scores up to get more money. I know that OOS get $10,000 per year if you have a 30 on your ACT. Their merit scholarships only go up to $15,000 per year for most people. There is also potential for you to get some money from FASFA and things like that.
I am very very much set on Clemson. For me it is a great option. And my parents would prefer me to be at Clemson. For me, I just feel like I am meant to be a Clemson Tiger.
Test it out. Watch a football game, and if by the end you feel yourself wanting to be a Tiger, you can always find a way to make it work.
Hope it helps! Go TIGERS!!!