UNC Charlotte vs. Clemson

Comparable Facts

Compare University of North Carolina at Charlotte in Charlotte, NC with Clemson University in Clemson, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte is larger than Clemson based on total student enrollment (31,091 students vs. 29,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of North Carolina at Charlotte is located in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting); Clemson University is in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting).
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of North Carolina at Charlotte 21:1; Clemson University 16:1.

UNC Charlotte vs. Clemson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNC Charlotte 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 North Carolina at Charlotte than Clemson ($15,045 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 8.1% lower than at University of North Carolina at Charlotte ($13,284 vs. $14,458).
• Clemson University is 114.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNC Charlotte (about $8,315 more per year; $15,554.00 vs. $7,239.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.7% higher at Clemson than at University of North Carolina at Charlotte (about $18,374 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $22,492.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clemson University than at University of North Carolina at Charlotte (75% vs. 60%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clemson University students is 43% larger than aid received by University of North Carolina at Charlotte students ($11,389 vs. $7,966).

UNC Charlotte vs. Clemson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNC Charlotte 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 UNC Charlotte.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clemson University (1330) is 90 points higher than at UNC Charlotte (1240).
• Incoming Clemson students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 24 at UNC Charlotte).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of North Carolina at Charlotte 1140/1330; Clemson University 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of North Carolina at Charlotte 21/28; Clemson University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNC Charlotte - Test optional; Clemson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UNC Charlotte Jun 1, 2027; Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clemson students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at UNC Charlotte (3.57).
• UNC Charlotte has a higher acceptance rate (79.6%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.5% at UNC Charlotte vs. 20.7% at Clemson.

UNC Charlotte vs. Clemson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNC Charlotte 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 North Carolina at Charlotte's (53%).
• Graduates from Clemson University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than UNC Charlotte graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,100 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clemson University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than UNC Charlotte graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, Clemson graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UNC Charlotte graduates ($222 vs. $237).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNC Charlotte students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 61%)

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.