College of Business numbers reflect position of strength

The College of Business is showing a pattern of continuing growth as it works toward raising the national awareness of the quality of business education at Clemson University and advancing the University’s brand.

Business school enrollment increased 6.6 percent in 2019-20 academic year over the previous year, and all undergraduate majors have exhibited consistent or growing enrollment with an overall increase in students of 26 percent since 2014.

The College’s new, 176,000-square-foot building rising in the heart of campus, will nearly double business education’s current space, allowing it to accommodate a growing student body. State-of-the-art classrooms and modern meeting spaces will usher in a new way of learning and help attract top-tier students and faculty.

Wendy York, dean of the College of Business, said a commitment by the university’s leadership to make Clemson University a destination school for business education and the program’s strategic roadmap will help fuel continued advancement.

“With the new home to business education opening this summer and our enrollment growing, the College of Business is poised to play a major role in helping elevate Clemson University on the national radar,” York said. “Our expanded curriculum, record fundraising and ambitious strategic agenda bode well for the future of business education at Clemson.”

More than 5,000 students are enrolled in the business school, including nearly 4,300 undergraduates and about 800 graduate students.

The Departments of Finance and Management led the College’s enrollment growth in the 2019-20 academic year. Finance enrollment is at more than 600 students, versus 513 a year ago. Management’s student numbers grew from more than 720 students in 2018 to nearly 800 in 2019.

The MBA program, which launched a fully online degree in the fall, saw 9 percent growth in 2019, enrolling nearly 600 students. The MBA program is the College’s fastest growing advanced degree program.

Business school undergraduate applications increased 11 percent in 2019 from the previous year and led all colleges at Clemson in students seeking enrollment here, including a significant number from out of state.

“These numbers illustrate an awareness of what business education at Clemson has to offer for a diverse group of students. Our dedicated faculty and staff have created an outstanding learning environment,” York added. “As we continue to execute on our strategic plan, the College will help propel the University’s rise in national stature and educational relevance.”

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