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Apply to Clemson as a Transfer Student

Transfer admission is becoming increasingly more competitive. Transfer applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as they become complete (all required documents are received). Admission is closed when all classroom space has been committed. You will be notified by email when we receive your application and if we need more information related to your application.

Clemson Application

You are considered a transfer applicant if you have earned a high school diploma or equivalent credential and have attended a college or university in a full-time or part-time status during a regular semester.

Two female students smile and walk together between classes.

Application Schedule and Deadlines

Transfer applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as they are completed. Admission is closed when all classroom space has been committed. You will be notified by email when we receive your application and as needed while it’s under consideration.

Date Event
August 1 Application opens for Spring term
December 1 Deadline to apply for Spring admission (January enrollment)
February 1 Application opens for Fall and Summer terms
July 1 Deadline to apply for Fall admission

Transfer students who wish to apply for Maymester or Summer Sessions should submit their application at least two weeks before classes begin.

The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education has published a Transfer Student Success Guide that you may find helpful as you begin your transfer journey.

How to Apply to Clemson as a Transfer Student

  1. Review important dates and deadlines.

  2. Complete the application.

    Submit your application through the Clemson Application. No preference is given to any application in the admission review process.

  3. Pay the application fee.

    There is a nonrefundable $70 application fee. Clemson accepts all major credit cards. If you cannot afford to pay the application fee, please fill out the financial sections of the application completely. This information will determine if you meet the level of need we can approve by policy for a fee waiver. If you have other hardships concerning the application fee, please reach out to the counselor for your state.

  4. Request final official transcripts from each college previously attended.

    You must submit official transcripts even if you do not expect to receive credit for the work or if you withdrew prior to receiving final grades. Transcripts must be received by Undergraduate Admissions from the registrar of each college previously attended.

Ace Your Application. Here’s What We Look For.

Requirements for Transfer Applicants

  1. Complete a year of college study — after high school graduation — earning 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of transferable credit. Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and dual-enrollment credit may not be used to count toward the 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) requirement.
  2. Earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale – 3.0 preferred.
  3. Complete freshman-level courses in English, science and mathematics for your intended major at Clemson University. Refer to the Transfer Course Equivalency List (TCEL) to see which courses have been previously transferred to Clemson from your institution.
  4. Be in good standing and eligible to return to the institution last attended.

Transfer Course Equivalency

The TCEL includes courses that have previously been transferred from other universities to Clemson.

View Course Transfer Information >>

Choice of Major

Some majors at Clemson are more competitive due to grade point average requirements and space limitations. Students interested in one of the majors listed below will need to select a second choice of major on the application to allow more flexibility in the review process. Admission is closed when all classroom space has been committed.

Space-restricted majors include architecture (available for Fall semester only), communication, criminal justice, health science (available for Fall semester only), landscape architecture (available for Fall semester only), nursing (available for Fall semester only), accelerated second-degree nursing (available for Fall semester only; must apply by September 1), performing arts (audio), pre-business, psychology, RNBS completion track (offered fully online) and sports communication.

GPA-restricted majors include construction science and management (3.0 GPA required), early childhood education (2.75 GPA required), elementary education (2.75 GPA required), general engineering (2.7 GPA required), graphic communications (2.8 GPA required), secondary education (2.75 GPA required) and special education (2.75 GPA required).

Additional requirements for some majors

  • Automotive Engineering

    Students interested in pursuing a degree in automotive engineering would enter Clemson as a general engineering major. Automotive engineering is only accepting students to begin classes in the Fall term. Interested students who have completed the general engineering core classes should complete an additional application between May 1 and July 28 to be considered for the limited-enrollment program. Transfer students will be notified if they are accepted into the automotive engineering program in the summer before Fall courses start.

  • Nursing

    Priority consideration is given to students who have completed and excelled in the appropriate science and math courses, which include general biology (BIOL 1030/1050 or BIOL 1100), anatomy and physiology I and II (BIOL 2220/2221 & BIOL 2230/2231), microbiology (MICR 2050/2051 or MICR 3050/3051), general chemistry (CH 1010/1011), and statistics (STAT 2300). Transfer students may use the Transfer Credit Equivalency List (TCEL) through the Clemson website to informally evaluate their own transfer credits. You can cross reference your courses to the nursing curriculum.

  • Accelerated Second Degree Nursing

    Must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed prior to the start of classes. For more information regarding admission requirements, curriculum plan and contact information, visit the Accelerated Second Degree Nursing website.

  • RNBS Completion Track

    Allows registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing (offered in a fully online format only). For more information regarding admission requirements, steps for admission and enrollment in RNBS track, program details and contact information, visit the RNBS program website.

  • Construction and Science Management

    Construction science and management majors should have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and must have successfully completed English composition (ENGL 1030), physics I (PHYS 2070/PHYS 2090), and calculus I with physics (MATH 1060) or business calculus (MATH 1020) for review consideration.

  • Production Studies

    An audition is required for students interested in pursuing music or theatre concentrations. For more information, visit the Department of Performing Arts website.

  • Pre-Business

    The pre-business program is for students planning to earn Bachelor of Science degrees in accounting, economics, financial management, management and marketing. Prospective transfer applicants must have successfully completed English composition (ENGL 1030), Microeconomics (Econ 2110) or Macroeconomics (ECON 2120) and approved Math sequence (i.e., either MATH 1020/2070 or 1060/2070 or 1060/1080) for review consideration. Transfer students may use the Transfer Credit Equivalency List (TCEL) to informally evaluate their own transfer credits. You can cross-reference your courses to the pre-business curriculum.


Transcripts

The Office of Admissions accepts official, secure transcripts via three methods of delivery.

  1. U.S. Mail
    Clemson University Undergraduate Admissions
    105 Sikes Hall
    Box 345124
    Clemson, SC 29634-5124
  2. Electronic Services
    Use a third-party service (Parchment, Student Clearinghouse, etc.) to electronically and securely send official transcripts to our office at this email address: apply@admission.clemson.edu.
  3. Hand Delivery
    A stamped, sealed and unopened envelope containing an official transcript can be hand-delivered to the Office of Admissions. The envelope must not state “Issued to Student” to be accepted.
    Clemson University Undergraduate Admissions
    105 Sikes Hall
    Box 345124
    Clemson, SC 29634-5124

High School Performance and Standardized Test Scores*

Transfer applicants with less than 30 credits (post-high school) may still be considered, but they must also submit high school transcript and test scores (SAT or ACT). High school performance is reviewed first, and a strong high school GPA, class rank and standardized test score are necessary. College academic performance is also required and will be reviewed.

*This consideration is only for transfer applicants who have completed less than 30 hours of college coursework.

Activities Outside the Classroom

What do you enjoy most? We want to hear about your favorite activities and how you dedicate yourself to growing in your performance, leadership and service.

  • Leadership opportunities
  • Sports
  • Arts
  • Volunteer activity
  • Part-time employment
  • Military service
  • Family obligations

Background and Opportunities

Not every student has access to the same resources, so each applicant is considered based on how they take advantage of the opportunities they have through their school and community.

Let us know about the circumstances that have shaped you academically and personally.

Your Unique Story

At Clemson, we recognize that our differences make us stronger. Upload an optional personal statement with your application to let us know if there are specific circumstances that we should consider in the admissions process.

After You Apply

Next Steps

We will keep you updated on the status of your application via email, but you can always find the most up-to-date information by visiting your Clemson admissions portal. When you are accessing the Clemson admissions portal for the first time, please reference your email for log-in instructions.

Please allow seven to 10 business days for the receipt of transcripts, test scores and other credentials to be added to your application file.

All transfer applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Need to Edit Your Application?

To change your major, edit your personal information, change your application term or withdraw your application, please visit your Clemson admissions portal.

Explore Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available in December. The amount of need-related aid for which you are eligible is determined by the information you supply annually on the FAFSA. To be considered for need-based scholarships, applicants must also submit the FAFSA to the federal processor by March 1.

Decision Types

Fall Admit

Admitted transfers for Fall have until the deposit deadline in their admission letter to choose whether or not to attend Clemson University. Students admitted to Fall may opt in to the Summer term if they choose.

January Admit

Students admitted to the Spring semester will enroll at Clemson in January.

Admit with different major

Students who receive this decision must select a different major to be admitted to Clemson.

Deny, less than 30 hours

We encourage students who receive this decision to take additional college coursework to achieve the 30-hour requirement and reapply for transfer admission.