Look how far we’ve come
There’s a crispness in the air and pumpkin spice on menus. Cheers are erupting from Memorial Stadium. Color is gradually creeping into the trees. But my favorite harbinger of fall is the return of students — in our classes, in our labs and on Bowman Field.
As we head into what promises to be another great academic year, I’m compelled to reflect on how far we’ve come. August marked the fifth anniversary of my arrival as the founding dean of the College of Science, and I’m incredibly proud of all we’ve accomplished.
Our team in Science is laser-focused on supporting the success of every student who comes through our doors. The most recent numbers show we’re blowing it out of the water, having already exceeded our 2026 goals for keeping students enrolled and then graduating them.
Freshman retention rate
- 2017: 90.2%
- 2026 goal: 95%
- Today: 95.3%
6-year graduation rate
- 2017: 81.6%
- 2026 goal: 84%
- Today: 88.6%
We are shattering records on the research side as well, having exceeded $18 million in external research expenditures this past year, up more than $4 million since 2017. Our faculty and their teams are making groundbreaking discoveries that will improve our world and enhance Clemson’s reputation as a vibrant research university.
This success is possible because of the dedication of our faculty and staff, the commitment of our students, and the support of friends and alumni who help make the Clemson Family one of the best in the world.
Go Tigers!
