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Colleges / SC / Clemson
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Clemson University

Public Clemson, SC · Suburban · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
87%
Graduation Rate
$71,513
Earnings (10yr)
$22,253
Net Price
38%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Clemson University is a great fit for students who seek a strong sense of community and a variety of academic paths. With around 23,300 undergraduates, there’s a vibrant campus life, and the acceptance rate of 38% means it’s selective but still accessible for many. Students frequently dive into programs like Business & Marketing, Engineering, and Biology & Biomedical, which are well-regarded and align with industry needs.

Looking ahead, graduates from Clemson can expect promising outcomes. The average earnings a decade after graduation sit at $71,513, which reflects the value of their education in real-world terms. While the affordability of higher education continues to be a concern, Clemson’s net price after aid is around $22,253, making it a reasonable option for many families. This financial aspect is crucial, especially when considering long-term financial mobility.

On a practical level, students here graduate with a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable given their earning potential. Those who thrive at Clemson tend to be proactive and engaged, taking advantage of both educational and extracurricular opportunities. With a graduation rate of 87%, it’s clear that many find their stride and succeed in completing their degrees, setting them up for a bright future.

Rankings

How Clemson Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation87%Earnings 10yr$72KNet Price$22KRetention93%Median Debt$22KPell Grant Rate15%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$14K$0-30K$14K$30-48K$19K$48-75K$28K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%317.5%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%3784.3%MOBILITY120.14%

Cost & Financial Aid

$15,554
In-State Tuition
$40,866
Out-of-State
$22,253
Avg Net Price
$21,500
Median Debt
15%
Pell Grant Rate
31%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$13,607
Family Income $0–$30K
$14,109
Family Income $30K–$48K
$18,851
Family Income $48K–$75K
$27,922
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$58,311
6 Years After Entry
$65,822
8 Years
$71,513
10 Years
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
78%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$58,311 6yr $65,822 8yr $71,513 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

120.14%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
3784.3%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
317.5%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$120,200
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.57
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
5.0%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.878%
Inventor Rate
169
Total Patents
179
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 38%
Retention Rate 93%
SAT Average 1353
ACT Midpoint 30
SAT Range 1240–1410
ACT Range 28–32
Full-Time Faculty 88%
Faculty Salary (mo) $12,153
Diversity Index 0.41
First-Gen Students 17%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 25%
Engineering 18%
Biology & Biomedical 8%
Social Sciences 8%
Health Professions 7%
Psychology 6%
Education 4%
Computer Science & IT 4%