Clemson vs. USC Aiken

Comparable Facts

Compare Clemson University in Clemson, SC with University of South Carolina Aiken in Aiken, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clemson University is larger than USC Aiken based on total student enrollment (29,077 students vs. 4,022 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clemson University is located in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting); University of South Carolina Aiken is in Aiken, SC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Aiken is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clemson University 16:1; University of South Carolina Aiken 16:1.

Clemson vs. USC Aiken Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clemson or USC Aiken? 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 University of South Carolina Aiken than Clemson ($12,236 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Aiken are 30.9% lower than at Clemson University ($9,182 vs. $13,284).
• Clemson University is 44.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than USC Aiken (about $4,794 more per year; $15,554.00 vs. $10,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 92.6% higher at Clemson than at University of South Carolina Aiken (about $19,648 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $21,218.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Carolina Aiken than at Clemson University (93% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clemson University students is 27.9% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Aiken students ($11,389 vs. $8,904).

Clemson vs. USC Aiken Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clemson or USC Aiken? 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 USC Aiken and Clemson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clemson University (1330) is 230 points higher than at USC Aiken (1100).
• Incoming Clemson students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 22 at USC Aiken).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 1240/1410; University of South Carolina Aiken 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 28/32; University of South Carolina Aiken 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clemson - Test optional; USC Aiken - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clemson May 1, 2027; USC Aiken Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clemson students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at USC Aiken (3.19).
• USC Aiken has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Clemson vs. 28.2% at USC Aiken.

Clemson vs. USC Aiken Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clemson and USC Aiken? 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 University of South Carolina Aiken's (41%).
• Graduates from Clemson University earn a median of about $17,500 more per year than USC Aiken graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,100 vs. $39,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clemson University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than USC Aiken graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Clemson graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USC Aiken graduates ($222 vs. $268).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USC Aiken students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 54%)

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.