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Clemson University: Cooper Library and reflecting pond 2006
Photo: blahedo, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons.

College · Catholic life on campus

Clemson University

  • LocationClemson, SC
  • Type and sizePublic · 4-year · 28,747 students
Official website

Clemson University is not a Catholic college. This rating measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes.

Clemson University's Catholic campus ministry is listed by the Diocese of Charleston at 209 Sloan Street in Clemson, with Fr. Matthew Gray as chaplain and a campus minister and associate campus minister. FOCUS lists a missionary team serving Clemson. The ministry's own website returned an access error to the research tool; its Mass, confession and event schedules are not recorded here.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Clemson University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 mi0.5 mi1 miSaint Andrew's Parish: 0.5 mi1Clemson University Catholic campus ministry (Diocese of Charleston listing; ministry site saclemson.org): 0.4 miClemson University (campus)N0.25 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Andrew's Parish — 0.5 mi · 206 Sloan Street, Clemson

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Catholic life scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

N/ACatholic life on campus: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Catholic life on campus

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic campus ministry serving this campus (Catholic center, campus ministry, or chaplaincy)Yes (The Diocese of Charleston lists a Catholic campus ministry for Clemson University, with its office, website and chaplain.)
    Sources (3)
    1. SC Locations | Campus Ministry, Diocese of Charlestoncharlestondiocese.org/campus-ministry/sc-locations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Clemson University Office 864-654-7804 https://saclemson.org/campus-ministry Facebook | Instagram Father Matthew Gray, Chaplain frgray@saclemson.org Michelle West, Campus Minister mwest@charlestondiocese.org Christopher Kerfoot, Associate Campus Minister”
      The diocese lists Fr. Matthew Gray as chaplain, Michelle West as campus minister, and Christopher Kerfoot as associate campus minister for Clemson University.
    2. Find My Campus | Campus Ministry, Diocese of Charlestoncharlestondiocese.org/campus-ministry/find-my-campus · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Click on your campus to be redirected to the specific campus ministry webpage for more information! CLEMSON UNIVERSITY COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY”
      The diocese's campus locator includes Clemson University and links to its campus ministry page.
    3. Campus Ministry Directory | Diocese of Charlestondirectory.charlestondiocese.org/directories/campus-ministry-directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Clemson University 209 Sloan Street Clemson, SC 29631 (864) 654-1757 ext. 170 https://saclemson.org/campus-ministry”
      The Diocese of Charleston lists a campus ministry for Clemson University at 209 Sloan Street, Clemson, SC 29631, with a link to saclemson.org.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryFull-time priest chaplain (Fr. Matthew Gray is presented as the ministry's Chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. SC Locations | Campus Ministry, Diocese of Charlestoncharlestondiocese.org/campus-ministry/sc-locations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Clemson University Office 864-654-7804 https://saclemson.org/campus-ministry Facebook | Instagram Father Matthew Gray, Chaplain frgray@saclemson.org Michelle West, Campus Minister mwest@charlestondiocese.org Christopher Kerfoot, Associate Campus Minister”
      The diocese lists Fr. Matthew Gray as chaplain, Michelle West as campus minister, and Christopher Kerfoot as associate campus minister for Clemson University.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministryNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Sunday Mass at the campus ministry or a campus chapelNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic student groups and missionary outreach (e.g., FOCUS, Saint Paul's Outreach, Knights of Columbus, Bible studies)One (FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) lists a Clemson team with student-facing missionaries on its campus page.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campuses | FOCUSfocus.org/about/campuses · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “University of MiamiClemson UniversityMississippi State University”
      FOCUS lists Clemson University among the campuses it serves.
    2. Clemson University | FOCUSfocus.org/campus/clemson-university · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Want prayers? Help with your big questions? Or just want to talk and be listened to? That’s why we’re here.”
      FOCUS has a Clemson University campus page listing a team of missionaries serving that campus.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic church within walking distance (computed from OpenStreetMap)Within 1 mile of campusComputed from OpenStreetMap church locations.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adorationNot enough information: no verified Mass times are recorded.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • The Diocese of Charleston lists a Catholic campus ministry for Clemson University with a named chaplain (Fr. Matthew Gray) and campus minister.
    Sources (2)
    1. SC Locations | Campus Ministry, Diocese of Charlestoncharlestondiocese.org/campus-ministry/sc-locations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Clemson University Office 864-654-7804 https://saclemson.org/campus-ministry Facebook | Instagram Father Matthew Gray, Chaplain frgray@saclemson.org Michelle West, Campus Minister mwest@charlestondiocese.org Christopher Kerfoot, Associate Campus Minister”
      The diocese lists Fr. Matthew Gray as chaplain, Michelle West as campus minister, and Christopher Kerfoot as associate campus minister for Clemson University.
    2. Find My Campus | Campus Ministry, Diocese of Charlestoncharlestondiocese.org/campus-ministry/find-my-campus · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Click on your campus to be redirected to the specific campus ministry webpage for more information! CLEMSON UNIVERSITY COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY”
      The diocese's campus locator includes Clemson University and links to its campus ministry page.
  • FOCUS lists a missionary team serving Clemson University.
    Sources (2)
    1. Campuses | FOCUSfocus.org/about/campuses · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “University of MiamiClemson UniversityMississippi State University”
      FOCUS lists Clemson University among the campuses it serves.
    2. Clemson University | FOCUSfocus.org/campus/clemson-university · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Want prayers? Help with your big questions? Or just want to talk and be listened to? That’s why we’re here.”
      FOCUS has a Clemson University campus page listing a team of missionaries serving that campus.

Concerns

  • No Mass, confession or adoration schedule for the campus ministry was available on an accessible official page.
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry Directory | Diocese of Charlestondirectory.charlestondiocese.org/directories/campus-ministry-directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Clemson University 209 Sloan Street Clemson, SC 29631 (864) 654-1757 ext. 170 https://saclemson.org/campus-ministry”
      The Diocese of Charleston lists a campus ministry for Clemson University at 209 Sloan Street, Clemson, SC 29631, with a link to saclemson.org.
    2. SC Locations | Campus Ministry, Diocese of Charlestoncharlestondiocese.org/campus-ministry/sc-locations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Clemson University Office 864-654-7804 https://saclemson.org/campus-ministry Facebook | Instagram Father Matthew Gray, Chaplain frgray@saclemson.org Michelle West, Campus Minister mwest@charlestondiocese.org Christopher Kerfoot, Associate Campus Minister”
      The diocese lists Fr. Matthew Gray as chaplain, Michelle West as campus minister, and Christopher Kerfoot as associate campus minister for Clemson University.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

Clemson University Catholic campus ministry (Diocese of Charleston listing; ministry site saclemson.org)

  • Address: 209 Sloan Street, Clemson, SC 29631
  • Distance from campus: 0.4 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)

View on map ↗

Source: directory.charlestondiocese.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, charlestondiocese.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

1 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 1 location not published

Clubs and groups 1

  • FOCUS campus team at Clemson University
    The FOCUS campus page for Clemson University lists a team of missionaries serving the campus.
    focus.org, focus.org

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Catholic campus ministry

Sources (2)
  1. Campus Ministry Directory | Diocese of Charlestondirectory.charlestondiocese.org/directories/campus-ministry-directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Clemson University 209 Sloan Street Clemson, SC 29631 (864) 654-1757 ext. 170 https://saclemson.org/campus-ministry”
    The Diocese of Charleston lists a campus ministry for Clemson University at 209 Sloan Street, Clemson, SC 29631, with a link to saclemson.org.
    “Clemson University 209 Sloan Street Clemson, SC 29631 (864) 654-1757 ext. 170 https://saclemson.org/campus-ministry”
    The Diocese of Charleston lists a campus ministry for Clemson University at 209 Sloan Street, Clemson, SC 29631, with a link to saclemson.org.
  2. SC Locations | Campus Ministry, Diocese of Charlestoncharlestondiocese.org/campus-ministry/sc-locations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Clemson University Office 864-654-7804 https://saclemson.org/campus-ministry Facebook | Instagram Father Matthew Gray, Chaplain frgray@saclemson.org Michelle West, Campus Minister mwest@charlestondiocese.org Christopher Kerfoot, Associate Campus Minister”
    The diocese lists Fr. Matthew Gray as chaplain, Michelle West as campus minister, and Christopher Kerfoot as associate campus minister for Clemson University.
    “Clemson University Office 864-654-7804 https://saclemson.org/campus-ministry Facebook | Instagram Father Matthew Gray, Chaplain frgray@saclemson.org Michelle West, Campus Minister mwest@charlestondiocese.org Christopher Kerfoot, Associate Campus Minister”
    The diocese lists Fr. Matthew Gray as chaplain, Michelle West as campus minister, and Christopher Kerfoot as associate campus minister for Clemson University.

Reach out

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Academic Excellence

AAcademic Excellence: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
87 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.87%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.93%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,353 · ACT 30
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.16 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$14,641

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
22,875
Total students28,747
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$22,253
Cost of attendance (per year)$35,015
Median federal debt at graduation$21,500
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
87%
First-year retention93%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$71,513
Admission rate38%
Students receiving Pell grants15%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1353
SAT reading & writing620–700
SAT math620–710
ACT composite28–32
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 70 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Local Church

Diocese of Charleston

The Most Reverend Jacques Fabre-Jeune, Bishop of Charleston

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: charlestondiocese.org, charlestondiocese.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Diocese determined from the county, using the diocese’s county list (Wikipedia). Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

  • IPEDS unit ID 217882
  • Carnegie classification: Doctoral university (very high research)
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

Questions families ask

Is Clemson University a Catholic college?
No. Clemson University is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Catholic campus ministry at Clemson University.

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