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Clemson University vs American College of the Building Arts

Clemson University is a public university in Clemson, SC, and American College of the Building Arts is a private college in Charleston, SC. Clemson University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 38% of applicants against 44% at American College of the Building Arts. Clemson University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,253 a year against $30,403 at American College of the Building Arts. About 87% of students graduate at Clemson University, compared with 63% at American College of the Building Arts.

Clemson University

Clemson, SC · Public

American College of the Building Arts

Charleston, SC · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Clemson, SC
Charleston, SC
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
23,300
155
Acceptance rate
38%
44%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1410
1130–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,253
$30,403
Full cost / yr
$35,015
$38,073
In-state tuition
$15,554
$21,500
Out-of-state tuition
$40,866
$21,500
Application fee
$70
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,607
$27,879
$30k - $48k
$14,109
$29,454
$48k - $75k
$18,851
$32,248
$75k - $110k
$24,833
$33,835
Over $110k
$27,922
$34,704
Outcomes
Graduation rate
87%
63%
Freshman retention
93%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,311
Not reported
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,513
Not reported
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$12,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
18%
First-generation students
17%
Not reported
International students
1%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Oct 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
May 31

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 Clemson University or American College of the Building Arts harder to get into?
Clemson University is harder to get into. It admits about 38% of applicants, compared with 44% at American College of the Building Arts. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Clemson University or American College of the Building Arts?
Clemson University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,253 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,403 at American College of the Building Arts. 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 Clemson University and American College of the Building Arts?
Before aid, Clemson University costs about $35,015 a year and American College of the Building Arts about $38,073. 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, Clemson University or American College of the Building Arts?
Clemson University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,607 there, against about $27,879 at American College of the Building Arts. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Clemson University or American College of the Building Arts?
Clemson University is the larger of the two, with about 23,300 undergraduates against 155 at American College of the Building Arts.
Does Clemson University or American College of the Building Arts have a better graduation rate?
Clemson University has the higher graduation rate, at about 87% against 63% at American College of the Building Arts.
Do Clemson University and American College of the Building Arts require SAT or ACT scores?
Clemson University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. American College of the Building Arts considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Clemson University and American College of the Building Arts look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1410 at Clemson University and 1130–1290 at American College of the Building Arts. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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