Alabama vs. Clemson

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL with Clemson University in Clemson, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Alabama is larger than Clemson based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 29,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); Clemson University is in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; Clemson University 16:1.

Alabama vs. Clemson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama 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 The University of Alabama than Clemson ($22,559 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 11.5% lower than at The University of Alabama ($13,284 vs. $15,016).
• Clemson University is 27.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alabama (about $3,374 more per year; $15,554.00 vs. $12,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.6% higher at Clemson than at The University of Alabama (about $6,694 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $34,172.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of Alabama than at Clemson University (80% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Alabama students is 53.7% larger than aid received by Clemson University students ($17,503 vs. $11,389).

Alabama vs. Clemson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama 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 Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clemson University (1330) is 40 points higher than at Alabama (1290).
• Incoming Clemson students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; Clemson University 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; Clemson University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; Clemson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027; Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alabama students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Clemson (3.75).
• Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 20.7% at Clemson.

Alabama vs. Clemson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama 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 The University of Alabama's (66%).
• Graduates from Clemson University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,100 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clemson University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Alabama graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,750).
• Among borrowers, Clemson graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama graduates ($222 vs. $245).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 59%)

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.