Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

Clemson University vs Colgate University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

12
Clemson Wins
10
Tied / N/A
24
Colgate Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Rural
Southeast
Region
Mid-Atlantic
23,300
Enrollment
3,180
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

38%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1353
SAT Average
1508
30
ACT Midpoint
33
1240-1410
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$15,554
In-State Tuition
$70,306
$40,866
Out-of-State Tuition
$70,306
$22,253
Average Net Price
$28,786
$13,607
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$6,086
$14,109
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,678
$18,851
Net Price ($48-75K)
$13,617
$27,922
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,234
15%
Pell Grant Rate
13%
31%
Federal Loan Rate
12%

Academics

87%
Graduation Rate
91%
93%
Retention Rate
93%
88%
Full-Time Faculty
93%
$12,153
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,098
17%
First-Gen Students
18%

Student Body

50%
Female
58%
76%
White
64%
9%
Hispanic
10%
5%
Black
4%
3%
Asian
5%
0.41
Diversity Index
0.56

Outcomes

$58,311
Earnings (6yr)
$64,949
$65,822
Earnings (8yr)
$74,696
$71,513
Earnings (10yr)
$85,139
$21,500
Median Debt
$15,000
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.18x
78%
Earning Above HS
79%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

120.14%
Mobility Rate
87.41%
3784.3%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3653.6%
317.5%
From Bottom 20%
239.2%
$120,200
Parent Median Income
$208,900

Social Capital

1.57
Economic Connectedness
1.86
0.01
Friending Bias
0.01
5.0%
Volunteering Rate
9.4%

Research (Times HE)

#350-400
World Rank
N/A
20.8
Teaching Score
N/A
17
Research Score
N/A
25.5
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

Clemson University

Clemson, SC · Public

38% accept 87% grad $71,513 earnings $22,253 net

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.

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private nonprofit

14% accept 91% grad $85,139 earnings $28,786 net

With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Colgate University attracts students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply with their studies. This school is a great fit for those interested in fields like Social Sciences, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences. The tight-knit community and emphasis on critical thinking make it a place where students can really thrive.

After graduation, Colgate alums see an impressive median earnings of $85,139 after ten years. This strong financial outcome reflects not just the quality of education, but also the commitment of students to leverage their degrees in meaningful ways. While the Pell Grant rate sits at 13%, the majority of students manage to find success in their careers, illustrating that hard work and dedication pay off.

On the practical side, the net price after aid stands at $28,786, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $15,000 is relatively low, suggesting that most students graduate with a solid financial footing. Those who tend to thrive here are motivated individuals seeking a challenging academic environment and who value the connections made during their time at Colgate.

Sponsored

Compare Accredited Programs Accepting Applicants

Matched to high-demand fields — request info, free.

Ad