Clemson University vs University of South Carolina-Columbia
Clemson University is a public university in Clemson, SC. University of South Carolina-Columbia is a public university in Columbia, SC. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants and University of South Carolina-Columbia about 60%, 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 $22,811 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. About 87% of students graduate at Clemson University, compared with 78% at University of South Carolina-Columbia. Ten years after enrolling, Clemson University alumni earn a median of about $71,513, against $62,177 for University of South Carolina-Columbia.
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- Is Clemson University or University of South Carolina-Columbia harder to get into?
- Clemson University is harder to get into. It admits about 38% of applicants, compared with 60% at University of South Carolina-Columbia. 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 University of South Carolina-Columbia?
- Clemson University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,253 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,811 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. 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 University of South Carolina-Columbia?
- Before aid, University of South Carolina-Columbia costs about $31,638 a year and Clemson University about $35,015. 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 University of South Carolina-Columbia?
- University of South Carolina-Columbia. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,634 there, against about $13,607 at Clemson University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Clemson University or University of South Carolina-Columbia?
- University of South Carolina-Columbia is the larger of the two, with about 29,820 undergraduates against 23,300 at Clemson University.
- Does Clemson University or University of South Carolina-Columbia have a better graduation rate?
- Clemson University has the higher graduation rate, at about 87% against 78% at University of South Carolina-Columbia.
- Do graduates of Clemson University or University of South Carolina-Columbia earn more?
- Clemson University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,513 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,177 for University of South Carolina-Columbia. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Clemson University and University of South Carolina-Columbia require SAT or ACT scores?
- Clemson University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of South Carolina-Columbia is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Clemson University and University of South Carolina-Columbia look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1410 at Clemson University and 1180–1360 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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