One of the country's most selective public research universities, Clemson was founded in 1889 with a mission to be a "high seminary of learning" dedicated to teaching, research and service.

Clemson's athletic teams have been nicknamed the Tigers since 1896, when coach (and later university president) Walter Merritt Riggs brought the name from his alma mater, Auburn University. The school's first costumed mascot was the Southern Gentleman, a student dressed in a purple formal suit with a top hat and cane.

Clemson, South Carolina The Clemson Tigers are the athletic teams that represent Clemson University, located in Clemson, South Carolina.

Alma Mater Salute During Clemson's early military days, freshmen wore rat caps and waved them in the air during every football game. Today, at the conclusion of singing the alma mater, students and alumni still wave their hands in the air with thumbs folded underneath as though holding a cap.

Niche's 2024 Best College Rankings not only ranked Clemson as the best college in South Carolina but also the institution with the best academics and professors in the Palmetto State. In addition, The Princeton Review's Best 389 Colleges: 2024 Edition ranked Clemson No. 5 nationally in best town-gown relations and No.

Clemson University is the full package. There are a variety of perks to being a student at this institution. The location, the manners, and the slow-nature of the South make it a special place to live. The atmosphere, the exciting student life, and the alumni attachment make Clemson like no other university.

2. LSU's Tiger has a name, Clemson's does not. Both the costumed and live versions of LSU's mascot are referred to as “Mike the Tiger,” while Clemson's mascot is simply called “The Clemson Tiger.”

Clemson University is ranked #86 out of 439 National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

#86 out of 439 Clemson University is ranked #86 out of 439 National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. Read more about how we rank schools.

Superior Academics With a variety of opportunities for experiential learning, Clemson students immerse themselves in different cultures, join the workforce between semesters and walk away from Clemson with strong examples of advanced research to show potential employers.

Clemson University is the full package. There are a variety of perks to being a student at this institution. The location, the manners, and the slow-nature of the South make it a special place to live. The atmosphere, the exciting student life, and the alumni attachment make Clemson like no other university.

#86 out of 439 Clemson University Rankings Clemson University is ranked #86 out of 439 National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. Read more about how we rank schools.