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Clemson University vs Erskine College

Clemson University is a public university in Clemson, SC, and Erskine College is a private college in Due West, SC. Clemson University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 38% of applicants against 63% at Erskine College. Erskine College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,525 a year against $22,253 at Clemson University. About 87% of students graduate at Clemson University, compared with 47% at Erskine College. Ten years after enrolling, Clemson University alumni earn a median of about $71,513, against $53,459 for Erskine College.

Clemson University

Clemson, SC · Public

Erskine College

Due West, SC · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Clemson, SC
Due West, SC
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
23,300
766
Acceptance rate
38%
63%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1410
920–1150
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
17–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,253
$16,525
Full cost / yr
$35,015
$55,248
In-state tuition
$15,554
$36,710
Out-of-state tuition
$40,866
$36,710
Application fee
$70
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,607
$14,555
$30k - $48k
$14,109
$12,666
$48k - $75k
$18,851
$18,652
$75k - $110k
$24,833
$16,405
Over $110k
$27,922
$18,942
Outcomes
Graduation rate
87%
47%
Freshman retention
93%
56%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,311
$39,618
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,513
$53,459
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
47%
First-generation students
17%
22%
International students
1%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Oct 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
Rolling

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 Erskine College harder to get into?
Clemson University is harder to get into. It admits about 38% of applicants, compared with 63% at Erskine College. 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 Erskine College?
Erskine College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,525 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,253 at Clemson 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 Clemson University and Erskine College?
Before aid, Clemson University costs about $35,015 a year and Erskine College about $55,248. 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 Erskine College?
Clemson University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,607 there, against about $14,555 at Erskine College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Clemson University or Erskine College?
Clemson University is the larger of the two, with about 23,300 undergraduates against 766 at Erskine College.
Does Clemson University or Erskine College have a better graduation rate?
Clemson University has the higher graduation rate, at about 87% against 47% at Erskine College.
Do graduates of Clemson University or Erskine College earn more?
Clemson University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,513 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,459 for Erskine College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Clemson University and Erskine College require SAT or ACT scores?
Clemson University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Erskine College is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Clemson University and Erskine College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1410 at Clemson University and 920–1150 at Erskine College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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