Clemson vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Clemson University is larger than Union University based on total student enrollment (29,077 students vs. 2,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clemson University is located in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clemson University 16:1; Union University 9:1.

Clemson vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clemson or Union University? 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 Clemson University than Union University ($25,003 vs. $28,452).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union University are 3.8% lower than at Clemson University ($12,780 vs. $13,284).
• Union University is 157.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clemson (about $24,471 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $15,554.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.1% higher at Clemson than at Union University (about $841 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union University than at Clemson University (100% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union University students is 164.5% larger than aid received by Clemson University students ($30,120 vs. $11,389).

Clemson vs. Union University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clemson or Union University? 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 Union University and Clemson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clemson University (1330) is 50 points higher than at Union University (1280).
• Incoming Clemson students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Union University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 1240/1410; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 28/32; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clemson - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Union University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Clemson (3.75).
• Union University has a higher acceptance rate (60.4%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Clemson vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Clemson vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clemson and Union University? 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 Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from Clemson University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,100 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clemson University graduates have a $3,340 lower median loan debt than Union University graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,840).
• Among borrowers, Clemson graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union University graduates ($222 vs. $256).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 66%)

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.