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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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Clemson University

Clemson, SC · Public

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Clemson, SC
Columbia, SC
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
23,300
29,820
Acceptance rate
38%
60%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1410
1180–1360
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
26–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,253
$22,811
Full cost / yr
$35,015
$31,638
In-state tuition
$15,554
$12,688
Out-of-state tuition
$40,866
$35,972
Application fee
$70
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,607
$12,634
$30k - $48k
$14,109
$14,953
$48k - $75k
$18,851
$19,859
$75k - $110k
$24,833
$24,478
Over $110k
$27,922
$28,125
Outcomes
Graduation rate
87%
78%
Freshman retention
93%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,311
$50,621
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,513
$62,177
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
19%
First-generation students
17%
20%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Oct 15
Oct 15
Regular decision
Jan 1
Dec 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 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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