Clemson vs. UofSC

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Carolina Columbia is larger than Clemson based on total student enrollment (38,532 students vs. 29,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clemson University is located in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting); University of South Carolina Columbia is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clemson University 16:1; University of South Carolina Columbia 19:1.

Clemson vs. UofSC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clemson or UofSC? 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 Columbia than Clemson ($24,488 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 1.8% lower than at University of South Carolina Columbia ($13,284 vs. $13,534).
• Clemson University is 22.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UofSC (about $2,866 more per year; $15,554.00 vs. $12,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.6% higher at Clemson than at University of South Carolina Columbia (about $4,894 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $35,972.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Carolina Columbia than at Clemson University (91% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clemson University students is 59.5% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($11,389 vs. $7,139).

Clemson vs. UofSC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clemson University (1330) is 60 points higher than at UofSC (1270).
• Incoming Clemson students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at UofSC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 1240/1410; University of South Carolina Columbia 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 28/32; University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clemson - Test optional; UofSC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clemson May 1, 2027; UofSC Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Clemson students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at UofSC (3.69).
• UofSC has a higher acceptance rate (60.2%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Clemson vs. 22.9% at UofSC.

Clemson vs. UofSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clemson and UofSC? 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 Columbia's (70%).
• Graduates from Clemson University earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than UofSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,100 vs. $51,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clemson University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than UofSC graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Clemson graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UofSC graduates ($222 vs. $240).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UofSC students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 69%)

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.