National Scholars Program (Clemson)
Offered by Clemson University
About This Scholarship
Clemson University's National Scholars Program, running since 2000, offers a full cost of attendance scholarship — covering all tuition, fees, and other required expenses — plus a coordinated summer of study and travel abroad. It is Clemson's answer to the flagship full rides at Morehead-Cain and Park, and unusually, residency does not matter: in-state, out-of-state, and international students are all considered.
There is no standalone scholarship application. Scholars are selected from students who complete two applications on time: the Clemson undergraduate admission application by the Early Action deadline (October 15), and the Clemson University Honors College application by the Honors priority deadline (October 22, with supporting materials due November 1). Selection weighs academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, breadth of interests and experiences, leadership, and potential for local and global impact.
The timeline for the 2027 cohort: finalist notifications in mid-January, a Scholarship Recruitment Weekend on campus February 19-20, 2027, and final status notifications in early March. Because both applications are gates, missing the October 15 Early Action deadline ends your candidacy before it starts.
Eligibility
- High school senior applying for first-year admission to Clemson University
- Open regardless of residency, including international students
- Must complete both the undergraduate admission application (Early Action) and the Clemson Honors College application (priority deadline) on time
How To Apply
- Submit the Clemson undergraduate admission application by the October 15 Early Action deadline
- Submit the Clemson University Honors College application by the October 22 Honors priority deadline, with supporting materials in by November 1
- If named a finalist (mid-January), attend the Scholarship Recruitment Weekend February 19-20, 2027
- Watch for final status notification in early March 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a separate National Scholars application?
No. Scholars are selected from students who complete both the Clemson undergraduate admission application by the Early Action deadline and the Honors College application by its priority deadline.
What does the award cover?
A full cost of attendance scholarship covering all tuition, fees, and other required expenses, plus a program-coordinated summer of study and travel abroad.
Can out-of-state or international students win?
Yes. Clemson states all applicants are considered regardless of residency, including international students.