Clemson vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

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

Clemson University is larger than Vanderbilt based on total student enrollment (29,077 students vs. 13,575 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clemson University is located in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clemson University 16:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

Clemson vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clemson or Vanderbilt? 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 Vanderbilt ($25,003 vs. $25,186).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 39.8% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($13,284 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 334% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clemson (about $51,944 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $15,554.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.2% higher at Vanderbilt than at Clemson University (about $26,632 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $40,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clemson University than at Vanderbilt University (75% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 465.5% larger than aid received by Clemson University students ($64,404 vs. $11,389).

Clemson vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 210 points higher than at Clemson (1330).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at Clemson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 1240/1410; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 28/32; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clemson - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clemson May 1, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vanderbilt students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Clemson (3.75).
• Clemson has a higher acceptance rate (38.3%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Clemson vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Clemson vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clemson and Vanderbilt? 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).

• Vanderbilt University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Clemson University's (80%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $26,000 more per year than Clemson graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $57,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Clemson graduates ($14,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clemson graduates ($144 vs. $222).
• More Vanderbilt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clemson students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.