CSU vs. Clemson

Comparable Facts

Compare Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC with Clemson University in Clemson, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clemson University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (29,077 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Clemson University is in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Clemson University 16:1.

CSU vs. Clemson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU 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 Charleston Southern University than Clemson ($21,080 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 8.2% lower than at Clemson University ($12,200 vs. $13,284).
• Charleston Southern University is 109.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clemson (about $16,966 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $15,554.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.7% higher at Clemson than at Charleston Southern University (about $8,346 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at Clemson University (98% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 104.1% larger than aid received by Clemson University students ($23,240 vs. $11,389).

CSU vs. Clemson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU 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 CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clemson University (1330) is 280 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming Clemson students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 21 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Clemson University 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Clemson University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Clemson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clemson students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 20.7% at Clemson.

CSU vs. Clemson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU 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 Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Clemson University earn a median of about $17,300 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,100 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clemson University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Clemson graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 50%)

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.