Clemson vs. UVA

Comparable Facts

Compare Clemson University in Clemson, SC with University of Virginia Main Campus in Charlottesville, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clemson University is larger than UVA based on total student enrollment (29,077 students vs. 26,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clemson University is located in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting); University of Virginia Main Campus is in Charlottesville, VA (Small City setting).
• Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Virginia Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clemson University 16:1; University of Virginia Main Campus 15:1.

Clemson vs. UVA Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clemson or UVA? 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 Virginia Main Campus than Clemson ($18,427 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 10.2% lower than at University of Virginia Main Campus ($13,284 vs. $14,800).
• University of Virginia Main Campus is 40.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clemson (about $6,249 more per year; $21,803.00 vs. $15,554.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.6% higher at UVA than at Clemson University (about $18,646 more per year; $59,512.00 vs. $40,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clemson University than at University of Virginia Main Campus (75% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Virginia Main Campus students is 152.1% larger than aid received by Clemson University students ($28,715 vs. $11,389).

Clemson vs. UVA Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Virginia Main Campus (1480) is 150 points higher than at Clemson (1330).
• Incoming UVA students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 30 at Clemson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 1240/1410; University of Virginia Main Campus 1410/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 28/32; University of Virginia Main Campus 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clemson - Test optional; UVA - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UVA students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.85) than students at Clemson (3.75).
• Clemson has a higher acceptance rate (38.3%) than UVA (16.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Clemson vs. 40% at UVA.

Clemson vs. UVA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clemson and UVA? 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).

• University of Virginia Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (94%) is higher than Clemson University's (80%).
• Graduates from University of Virginia Main Campus earn a median of about $20,100 more per year than Clemson graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,200 vs. $57,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Virginia Main Campus graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Clemson graduates ($19,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, UVA graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clemson graduates ($201 vs. $222).
• More UVA graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clemson students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 78%)

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.