Clemson University

According to the school, Clemson University combines the benefits of a major land-grant, science- and engineering-oriented research university with a solid commitment to quality teaching and individual student success. It is a student-centred community characterised by high academic standards, inclusiveness, collaboration, and a drive to excel.

Located in a college-town setting, Clemson boasts a 17,500-acre forest, a 295-acre botanical garden, and a lakefront setting. Undergraduate enrollment is managed to ensure small classes, an 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, and high retention and graduation rates. Clemson scores above the national average on student engagement and satisfaction surveys and has earned national recognition for living-learning communities, Creative Inquiry, writing across the curriculum and participation in community service.

A new 10-year strategic plan, the Clemson 2020 Road Map, focuses on providing talent for the new economy, driving innovation that stimulates economic growth, and addressing the significant challenges of the 21st century, such as health, energy, transportation, and environmental sustainability. Other key emphasis areas include advanced materials, biotechnology, biomedical science, information and computing technology, family and community living, general education, information and communications technology, and leadership and entrepreneurship.

Clemson's 20,768 students can select from 80 undergraduate and 110 graduate degree programs offered by five colleges: Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences; Architecture, Arts and Humanities; Business and Behavioral Science; Engineering and Science; and Health, Education and Human Development. Clemson was founded in 1889 through a bequest from Thomas Green Clemson, a Philadelphia-born, European-educated engineer, musician and artist. They married John C. Calhoun's daughter, Anna, and settled at her family estate in South Carolina. Clemson believed that the way to rebuild his adopted state's war-ravaged economy was through scientific education, so he left his home and fortune to the state of South Carolina to create the institution that bears his name.

The University is located on a 1,400-acre campus in Clemson (population: 14,089), 55 miles from Greenville and Spartanburg. Served by bus and train; major airport serves Greenville-Spartanburg; smaller airport serves Oconee/Seneca (five miles). School operates transportation around campus and local area.