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Clemson University vs Northwestern University

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

10
Clemson Wins
6
Tied / N/A
30
Northwestern Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Urban
Southeast
Region
Great Lakes
23,300
Enrollment
9,201
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

38%
Acceptance Rate
8%
1353
SAT Average
1533
30
ACT Midpoint
35
1240-1410
SAT Range
1510-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$15,554
In-State Tuition
$68,322
$40,866
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,322
$22,253
Average Net Price
$29,167
$13,607
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,764
$14,109
Net Price ($30-48K)
$6,099
$18,851
Net Price ($48-75K)
$7,898
$27,922
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,777
15%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
31%
Federal Loan Rate
17%

Academics

87%
Graduation Rate
96%
93%
Retention Rate
98%
88%
Full-Time Faculty
83%
$12,153
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$20,322
17%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

50%
Female
52%
76%
White
31%
9%
Hispanic
16%
5%
Black
8%
3%
Asian
21%
0.41
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$58,311
Earnings (6yr)
$76,844
$65,822
Earnings (8yr)
$83,487
$71,513
Earnings (10yr)
$89,363
$21,500
Median Debt
$15,000
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.17x
78%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

120.14%
Mobility Rate
169.42%
3784.3%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5518.6%
317.5%
From Bottom 20%
307.0%
$120,200
Parent Median Income
$168,500

Social Capital

1.57
Economic Connectedness
1.83
0.01
Friending Bias
0.01
5.0%
Volunteering Rate
11.3%

Research (Times HE)

#350-400
World Rank
#25
20.8
Teaching Score
64.5
17
Research Score
68.8
25.5
Citations Score
95.3

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.

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit

8% accept 96% grad $89,363 earnings $29,167 net

Northwestern University has an impressive graduation rate of 96%, indicating strong student support and academic success. This high rate reflects the university’s commitment to helping students complete their degrees on time. With an acceptance rate of just 8%, gaining admission is highly competitive, attracting top talent from across the country.

The earnings potential for graduates is significant, with a 10-year median income of $89,363. This figure suggests that students who attend Northwestern can expect a strong return on their investment. However, 19% of students receive Pell Grants, which highlights that some students come from lower-income backgrounds, yet still have the opportunity to thrive here.

The net price for attending Northwestern is $29,167, and the median debt is relatively low at $15,000, making it more manageable for graduates. Students who excel here often pursue majors in engineering, social sciences, and communications. Those who thrive at Northwestern are typically motivated and high-achieving individuals, ready to engage in a challenging academic environment.

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