Clemson vs. Sweet Briar College

Comparable Facts

Compare Clemson University in Clemson, SC with Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clemson University is larger than Sweet Briar College based on total student enrollment (29,077 students vs. 444 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clemson University is located in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting); Sweet Briar College is in Sweet Briar, VA (Small Suburban setting).
• Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Sweet Briar College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clemson University 16:1; Sweet Briar College 9:1.

Clemson vs. Sweet Briar College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clemson or Sweet Briar College? 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 Sweet Briar College than Clemson ($21,322 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 12.8% lower than at Sweet Briar College ($13,284 vs. $15,230).
• Sweet Briar College is 68.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clemson (about $10,606 more per year; $26,160.00 vs. $15,554.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.2% higher at Clemson than at Sweet Briar College (about $14,706 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $26,160.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sweet Briar College than at Clemson University (99% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sweet Briar College students is 96.6% larger than aid received by Clemson University students ($22,387 vs. $11,389).

Clemson vs. Sweet Briar College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clemson or Sweet Briar College? 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 Sweet Briar College and Clemson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clemson University (1330) is 120 points higher than at Sweet Briar College (1210).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 1240/1410; Sweet Briar College 1100/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clemson - Test optional; Sweet Briar College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clemson students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Sweet Briar College (3.54).
• Sweet Briar College has a higher acceptance rate (75.5%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Clemson vs. 13.2% at Sweet Briar College.

Clemson vs. Sweet Briar College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clemson and Sweet Briar College? 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 Sweet Briar College's (70%).
• Graduates from Clemson University earn a median of about $15,400 more per year than Sweet Briar College graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,100 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clemson University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Sweet Briar College graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Clemson graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Sweet Briar College graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Sweet Briar College students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 72%)

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.