Clemson University

What are the graduation rates for students at Clemson University?

Clemson University demonstrates strong graduation outcomes with an overall graduation rate of 88%, placing it among the top 5% of institutions nationally. This success extends across genders, with men graduating at a rate of 84%, which is still very high and ranked in the top 10%, while women graduate at an even higher rate of 91%, also in the top 5%. These figures reflect the university's consistent ability to support student completion.

Looking more closely at graduation within specific time frames, 68% of students complete their degree within four years, a figure that is considered high and ranks Clemson University in the top 15% of colleges. When extended to six years, the graduation rate rises to 88%, again confirming the institution's placement in the top 10% nationally. This pattern suggests that while some students may require additional time, the large majority eventually earn their degree.

Retention also plays a critical role in the overall graduation success. Clemson University maintains a very high retention rate of 93%, ranking in the top 10%. This indicates a strong first-year experience and effective student support systems that keep students progressing toward graduation.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Clemson University?

Graduates from Clemson University experience varied earning potentials depending on their field of study, with some disciplines clearly offering more lucrative career opportunities than others. Among the highest earners are those with degrees in engineering and information technology fields. For instance, chemical engineering graduates have an average income of $70,368, while computer and information sciences majors earn around $63,762. Other engineering disciplines such as computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering report strong earnings between $62,000 and $66,000.

Information science graduates fare similarly well, with average earnings of $66,717, closely followed by industrial engineering and engineering-related fields, whose graduates bring in just over $65,000. Construction management is also a noteworthy field with an average starting salary of $62,908, indicating solid prospects for those pursuing this path at Clemson University.

In addition to the technical and engineering sectors, certain applied sciences provide competitive wages. Agricultural engineering graduates earn about $54,666, biomedical/medical engineering sits close behind at $54,462, and environmental health engineering averages $54,819. Students specializing in business-related disciplines also find promising compensation, with finance and financial management graduates earning roughly $52,256 and accounting graduates around $45,516.

Architectural studies, including architecture itself, bring an average income near $44,793, while degrees in agricultural business and management hover just above $43,500. Marketing graduates report earnings close to $48,888, demonstrating solid earning power in commercial fields.

Teacher education and professional development offer varied returns, with specific subject areas averaging $40,689, and other levels and methods at $33,955. Special education graduates earn about $36,090, which reflects the financial rewards within the education realm at Clemson University.

Liberal arts and sciences graduates see more modest earnings but still achieve respectable figures in certain areas. Political science and government degree holders bring in around $38,210, and English language and literature majors earn approximately $32,696. Meanwhile, psychology graduates make about $28,522, and economics students average $41,128, indicating that social sciences offer a range of outcomes.

In the natural sciences, biology graduates earn an average of $21,728, whereas biochemistry and molecular biology majors yield $29,496. Microbiological sciences and immunology stand out with earnings near $37,067, suggesting notable potential in life sciences. Mathematics graduates fare well with approximately $49,691, combining analytical skills with competitive income.

Fields such as design and applied arts offer an average income of $41,708, while fine and studio arts see lower earnings around $19,596, reflecting the variability within creative disciplines. Registered nursing graduates enjoy considerable compensation, averaging $61,981, highlighting a strong financial outlook in the health sciences.