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Anderson University vs Clemson University

Anderson University is a private university in Anderson, SC. Clemson University is a public university in Clemson, SC. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants and Anderson University about 55%, making Clemson University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $22,253 a year at Clemson University after aid, and about $23,544 at Anderson University. About 87% of students graduate at Clemson University, compared with 67% at Anderson University. Ten years after enrolling, Clemson University alumni earn a median of about $71,513, against $42,101 for Anderson University.

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Anderson University

Anderson, SC · Private

Clemson University

Clemson, SC · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Anderson, SC
Clemson, SC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,183
23,300
Acceptance rate
55%
38%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1100–1280
1240–1410
ACT (middle 50%)
22–29
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,544
$22,253
Full cost / yr
$50,192
$35,015
In-state tuition
$34,970
$15,554
Out-of-state tuition
$34,970
$40,866
Application fee
$40
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,188
$13,607
$30k - $48k
$18,724
$14,109
$48k - $75k
$19,647
$18,851
$75k - $110k
$24,926
$24,833
Over $110k
$27,080
$27,922
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
87%
Freshman retention
82%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,073
$58,311
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,101
$71,513
Median debt at graduation
$26,700
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
15%
First-generation students
25%
17%
International students
0%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Oct 15
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Anderson University or Clemson University harder to get into?
Clemson University is harder to get into. It admits about 38% of applicants, compared with 55% at Anderson University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Anderson University or Clemson University?
Clemson University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,253 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,544 at Anderson University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Anderson University and Clemson University?
Before aid, Clemson University costs about $35,015 a year and Anderson University about $50,192. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Anderson University or Clemson University?
Clemson University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,607 there, against about $17,188 at Anderson University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Anderson University or Clemson University?
Clemson University is the larger of the two, with about 23,300 undergraduates against 3,183 at Anderson University.
Does Anderson University or Clemson University have a better graduation rate?
Clemson University has the higher graduation rate, at about 87% against 67% at Anderson University.
Do graduates of Anderson University or Clemson University earn more?
Clemson University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,513 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,101 for Anderson University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Anderson University and Clemson University require SAT or ACT scores?
Anderson University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Clemson University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Anderson University and Clemson University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1100–1280 at Anderson University and 1240–1410 at Clemson University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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