OSU vs. Clemson

Comparable Facts

Compare Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR with Clemson University in Clemson, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Oregon State University is larger than Clemson based on total student enrollment (37,163 students vs. 29,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oregon State University is located in Corvallis, OR (Small City setting); Clemson University is in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Oregon State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oregon State University 18:1; Clemson University 16:1.

OSU vs. Clemson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OSU or Clemson? 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 Oregon State University than Clemson ($22,467 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 18.9% lower than at Oregon State University ($13,284 vs. $16,386).
• Clemson University is 8% more expensive for in-state tuition than OSU (about $1,154 more per year; $15,554.00 vs. $14,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7% higher at Clemson than at Oregon State University (about $2,676 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $38,190.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oregon State University than at Clemson University (90% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clemson University students is 1.4% larger than aid received by Oregon State University students ($11,389 vs. $11,230).

OSU vs. Clemson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clemson University (1330) is 60 points higher than at OSU (1270).
• Incoming Clemson students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at OSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oregon State University 1140/1400; Clemson University 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oregon State University 24/31; Clemson University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OSU - Test optional; Clemson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: OSU Feb 1, 2027; Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clemson students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at OSU (3.61).
• OSU has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at OSU vs. 20.7% at Clemson.

OSU vs. Clemson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OSU and Clemson? 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 Oregon State University's (61%).
• Graduates from Clemson University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than OSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,100 vs. $53,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clemson University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than OSU graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Clemson graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OSU graduates ($222 vs. $242).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OSU 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.