Head-to-Head Comparison
Clemson University vs George Washington University
- Clemson Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 8
- George Washington Wins
- 25
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Clemson University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $22,253 vs George Washington University's $36,586, Clemson University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Clemson University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $71,513 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Clemson
- Lower cost: Average net price of $22,253, roughly $14,333 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 87% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 38% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
George Washington
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, 27% more than Clemson University
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,449, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #95
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Clemson graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (26% of degrees); George Washington in Social Sciences (33%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick George Washington University over Clemson University. Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment vs $71,513.
Pick Clemson University over George Washington University. Net price $22,253 vs $36,586.
Pick George Washington University over Clemson University. THE World Rank #95 vs #350-400.
Pick George Washington University over Clemson University. 2.2% mobility rate vs 1.2%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Clemson University and George Washington University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Clemson University is the harder admit. It takes 38% of applicants, while George Washington University takes 47%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,353 to 1,433.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Clemson University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Clemson University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $22,253, about $14,333 a year below George Washington University's $36,586. Graduates of George Washington University also borrow less: median debt of $20,449, against $21,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $57,332 before any change in aid. Choosing Clemson University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, George Washington University graduates report median earnings of $90,873, compared with $71,513 at Clemson University. That is a 27% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Washington University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 27% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
George Washington University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at Clemson University, it is 1.2%. George Washington University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.2%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, George Washington University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, George Washington University sits higher, at #95 versus #350.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Clemson University to keep costs and debt down; pick George Washington University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Clemson University saves about $14,333 a year, yet George Washington University graduates earn $19,360 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Clemson University is harder to get into, with a 38% admit rate, but George Washington University posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.2%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Clemson University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while George Washington University leans toward Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Clemson University's enrollment of 23,300 far exceeds George Washington University's 11,182.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,586 runs well above Clemson University's $22,253.
- Engineering-focused students: Clemson University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Clemson holds onto its admits more tightly: 21% of admitted students enroll, versus 19% at George Washington — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. George Washington offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Clemson does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Clemson University
Clemson, SC · Public
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.
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
George Washington University reports a striking graduation rate of 85%. This figure reflects the university's commitment to student success and its supportive academic environment. With a significant portion of students completing their degrees, GWU stands out for those seeking reliable pathways to graduation.
The earnings potential for graduates is compelling. Alumni earn an average of $90,873 within ten years of graduation. This income level positions graduates well within the job market, contributing to long-term financial stability. Although specific mobility data is not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are likely to improve their economic circumstances through their education at GWU.
The net price for attending George Washington University is $36,586, with a median debt of $20,449. This balance makes it an appealing choice for students who can manage costs while aiming for solid post-graduate earnings. GWU attracts those interested in fields like social sciences, health professions, and business, where graduates find ample opportunities to thrive in Washington, D.C.'s dynamic job market.
Rankings They Appear On
Clemson University is featured on the Best Colleges in South Carolina ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Clemson's top program is Business Administration (26% of enrollment), while George Washington leads with Sociology (33%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Clemson) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for George Washington).
The two schools feed different job markets. Clemson University is strongest in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while George Washington University concentrates in Health Professions, Psychology. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Clemson
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Clemson University or George Washington University?
Clemson University is harder to get into, admitting 38% of applicants compared with 47% at George Washington University.
Which is more affordable, Clemson University or George Washington University?
Clemson University is more affordable, with an average net price of $22,253 after aid versus $36,586 at George Washington University.
Do Clemson University or George Washington University graduates earn more?
George Washington University graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,513 at Clemson University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Clemson University or George Washington University?
Clemson University has the higher graduation rate, 87% versus 85%.
Clemson University vs George Washington University: which is better for social mobility?
George Washington University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 1.2%.
Should you choose Clemson University or George Washington University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Clemson University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose George Washington University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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