Kentucky vs. Clemson

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY with Clemson University in Clemson, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kentucky is larger than Clemson based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 29,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); Clemson University is in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; Clemson University 16:1.

Kentucky vs. Clemson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky 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 University of Kentucky than Clemson ($21,958 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 17.1% lower than at University of Kentucky ($13,284 vs. $16,016).
• Clemson University is 15.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $2,052 more per year; $15,554.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.7% higher at Clemson than at University of Kentucky (about $6,726 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $34,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Kentucky than at Clemson University (95% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kentucky students is 13.2% larger than aid received by Clemson University students ($12,898 vs. $11,389).

Kentucky vs. Clemson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kentucky 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 Kentucky.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clemson University (1330) is 150 points higher than at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming Clemson students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 24 at Kentucky).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; Clemson University 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; Clemson University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; Clemson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027; Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clemson students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 20.7% at Clemson.

Kentucky vs. Clemson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky 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 University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from Clemson University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Kentucky graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,100 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clemson University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Kentucky graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,750).
• Among borrowers, Clemson graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kentucky graduates ($222 vs. $235).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kentucky students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 62%)

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.