ASU vs. Clemson

Comparable Facts

Compare Appalachian State University in Boone, NC with Clemson University in Clemson, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clemson University is larger than ASU based on total student enrollment (29,077 students vs. 21,570 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Appalachian State University is located in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting); Clemson University is in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Appalachian State University 16:1; Clemson University 16:1.

ASU vs. Clemson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ASU or Clemson? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Appalachian State University than Clemson ($14,978 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Appalachian State University are 3.1% lower than at Clemson University ($12,868 vs. $13,284).
• Clemson University is 105.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $7,975 more per year; $15,554.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62.1% higher at Clemson than at Appalachian State University (about $15,654 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $25,212.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clemson University than at Appalachian State University (75% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clemson University students is 42.1% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($11,389 vs. $8,014).

ASU vs. Clemson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ASU or Clemson? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Clemson and ASU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clemson University (1330) is 130 points higher than at ASU (1200).
• Incoming Clemson students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 24 at ASU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 1120/1280; Clemson University 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 21/27; Clemson University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ASU - Test optional; Clemson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027; Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at Clemson (3.75).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at ASU vs. 20.7% at Clemson.

ASU vs. Clemson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ASU and Clemson? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Clemson University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Appalachian State University's (65%).
• Graduates from Clemson University earn a median of about $15,500 more per year than ASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,100 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Clemson graduates ($20,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clemson graduates ($211 vs. $222).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ASU students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 74%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.