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Clemson University vs Furman University

Clemson University is a public university in Clemson, SC, and Furman University is a private university in Greenville, SC. Clemson University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 38% of applicants against 43% at Furman University. Clemson University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,253 a year against $30,308 at Furman University. About 87% of students graduate at Clemson University, compared with 80% at Furman University. Ten years after enrolling, Clemson University alumni earn a median of about $71,513, against $68,635 for Furman University.

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Clemson University

Clemson, SC · Public

Furman University

Greenville, SC · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Clemson, SC
Greenville, SC
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
23,300
2,379
Acceptance rate
38%
43%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1410
1260–1430
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,253
$30,308
Full cost / yr
$35,015
$76,798
In-state tuition
$15,554
$59,770
Out-of-state tuition
$40,866
$59,770
Application fee
$70
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,607
$16,401
$30k - $48k
$14,109
$17,290
$48k - $75k
$18,851
$21,041
$75k - $110k
$24,833
$27,736
Over $110k
$27,922
$39,310
Outcomes
Graduation rate
87%
80%
Freshman retention
93%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,311
$50,796
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,513
$68,635
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
13%
First-generation students
17%
12%
International students
1%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Oct 15
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 1
Jan 15

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 Furman University harder to get into?
Clemson University is harder to get into. It admits about 38% of applicants, compared with 43% at Furman 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, Clemson University or Furman University?
Clemson University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,253 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,308 at Furman 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 Furman University?
Before aid, Clemson University costs about $35,015 a year and Furman University about $76,798. 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 Furman University?
Clemson University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,607 there, against about $16,401 at Furman University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Clemson University or Furman University?
Clemson University is the larger of the two, with about 23,300 undergraduates against 2,379 at Furman University.
Does Clemson University or Furman University have a better graduation rate?
Clemson University has the higher graduation rate, at about 87% against 80% at Furman University.
Do graduates of Clemson University or Furman University earn more?
Clemson University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,513 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,635 for Furman University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Clemson University and Furman University require SAT or ACT scores?
Clemson University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Furman University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Clemson University and Furman University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1410 at Clemson University and 1260–1430 at Furman University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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