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Clemson University vs University of South Carolina-Upstate

Clemson University is a public university in Clemson, SC, and University of South Carolina-Upstate is a public university in Spartanburg, SC. Clemson University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 38% of applicants against 67% at University of South Carolina-Upstate. University of South Carolina-Upstate is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,557 a year against $22,253 at Clemson University. About 87% of students graduate at Clemson University, compared with 43% at University of South Carolina-Upstate. Ten years after enrolling, Clemson University alumni earn a median of about $71,513, against $48,587 for University of South Carolina-Upstate.

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Clemson University

Clemson, SC · Public

University of South Carolina-Upstate

Spartanburg, SC · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Clemson, SC
Spartanburg, SC
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
23,300
4,038
Acceptance rate
38%
67%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1410
1005–1175
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
21–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,253
$13,557
Full cost / yr
$35,015
$25,124
In-state tuition
$15,554
$11,588
Out-of-state tuition
$40,866
$23,090
Application fee
$70
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,607
$11,618
$30k - $48k
$14,109
$11,537
$48k - $75k
$18,851
$13,394
$75k - $110k
$24,833
$17,356
Over $110k
$27,922
$19,325
Outcomes
Graduation rate
87%
43%
Freshman retention
93%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,311
$43,339
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,513
$48,587
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$22,310
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
46%
First-generation students
17%
35%
International students
1%
1%
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 University of South Carolina-Upstate harder to get into?
Clemson University is harder to get into. It admits about 38% of applicants, compared with 67% at University of South Carolina-Upstate. 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-Upstate?
University of South Carolina-Upstate is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,557 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 University of South Carolina-Upstate?
Before aid, University of South Carolina-Upstate costs about $25,124 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-Upstate?
University of South Carolina-Upstate. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,618 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-Upstate?
Clemson University is the larger of the two, with about 23,300 undergraduates against 4,038 at University of South Carolina-Upstate.
Does Clemson University or University of South Carolina-Upstate have a better graduation rate?
Clemson University has the higher graduation rate, at about 87% against 43% at University of South Carolina-Upstate.
Do graduates of Clemson University or University of South Carolina-Upstate earn more?
Clemson University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,513 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,587 for University of South Carolina-Upstate. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Clemson University and University of South Carolina-Upstate 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-Upstate 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-Upstate look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1410 at Clemson University and 1005–1175 at University of South Carolina-Upstate. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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