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Clemson University vs Columbia University in the City of New York

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

9
Clemson Wins
9
Tied / N/A
28
Columbia Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Urban
Southeast
Region
Mid-Atlantic
23,300
Enrollment
8,973
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

38%
Acceptance Rate
4%
1353
SAT Average
1553
30
ACT Midpoint
35
1240-1410
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$15,554
In-State Tuition
$71,845
$40,866
Out-of-State Tuition
$71,845
$22,253
Average Net Price
$21,590
$13,607
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$4,570
$14,109
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,275
$18,851
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,866
$27,922
Net Price ($110K+)
$50,621
15%
Pell Grant Rate
23%
31%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

87%
Graduation Rate
96%
93%
Retention Rate
98%
88%
Full-Time Faculty
43%
$12,153
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$21,516
17%
First-Gen Students
25%

Student Body

50%
Female
45%
76%
White
29%
9%
Hispanic
15%
5%
Black
8%
3%
Asian
19%
0.41
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$58,311
Earnings (6yr)
$88,535
$65,822
Earnings (8yr)
$98,435
$71,513
Earnings (10yr)
$102,491
$21,500
Median Debt
$21,500
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
78%
Earning Above HS
86%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

120.14%
Mobility Rate
307.36%
3784.3%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6121.7%
317.5%
From Bottom 20%
502.1%
$120,200
Parent Median Income
$169,600

Social Capital

1.57
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.01
Friending Bias
0.03
5.0%
Volunteering Rate
10.3%

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.

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private nonprofit

4% accept 96% grad $102,491 earnings $21,590 net

Columbia University in the City of New York is an excellent fit for ambitious students who are ready to dive deep into their studies. With an acceptance rate of just 4%, it attracts driven individuals who excel academically. Students here often focus on top programs such as Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and English & Literature. The tight-knit community and diverse course offerings create an environment where students can thrive.

Life after graduation looks promising for Columbia alumni, with a ten-year earnings average of $102,491. This figure indicates the long-term financial benefits of attending this university. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and often find themselves in positions that allow for upward mobility. The high graduation rate of 96% suggests that most students successfully complete their degrees, which is a strong indicator of the support and resources available.

When it comes to the practical aspects of attending Columbia, the net price after aid is approximately $21,590, which is quite manageable given the high earning potential. With a median debt of $21,500, most graduates come out with a reasonable financial burden. The combination of these factors, along with the strong academic environment, tends to attract students who are not only academically talented but also motivated to make the most of their educational experience.

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