Head-to-Head Comparison
Clemson University vs Stevens Institute of Technology
- Clemson Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 12
- Stevens Technology Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Clemson University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Stevens Institute of Technology achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 87%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $41,346 compared to Clemson University's $22,253. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Clemson University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
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 $19,093 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 38% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Stevens Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, 52% more than Clemson University
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4.3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Clemson graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (26% of degrees); Stevens Technology in Engineering (45%). 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 Stevens Institute of Technology over Clemson University. Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment vs $71,513.
Pick Clemson University over Stevens Institute of Technology. Net price $22,253 vs $41,346.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over Clemson University. 4.3% 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 Stevens Institute of Technology 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 Stevens Institute of Technology takes 48%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,353 to 1,446.
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 $19,093 a year below Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346. Graduates of Clemson University also borrow less: median debt of $21,500, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $76,372 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, Stevens Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $108,772, compared with $71,513 at Clemson University. That is a 52% advantage. Set against borrowing, Stevens Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 52% 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
Stevens Institute of Technology does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4.3%; at Clemson University, it is 1.2%. Stevens Institute of Technology also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.2%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Stevens Institute of Technology 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Clemson University to keep costs and debt down; pick Stevens Institute of Technology 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 $19,093 a year, yet Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn $37,259 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 Stevens Institute of Technology posts the higher mobility rate, at 4.3%. 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 Social Sciences, while Stevens Institute of Technology leans toward Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Clemson University's enrollment, and Stevens Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Clemson University's enrollment of 23,300 far exceeds Stevens Institute of Technology's 4,222.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,346 runs well above Clemson University's $22,253.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $21,500 at Clemson University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Stevens Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Clemson University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Stevens Technology holds onto its admits more tightly: 21% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Clemson — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
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.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, is a great fit for students who are driven by a passion for technology and innovation. With 4,222 enrolled students and an acceptance rate of 48%, it attracts individuals looking for a solid education in fields like Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and the Arts. One standout aspect is the school's high graduation rate of 88%, which speaks volumes about student support and engagement throughout their academic journey.
After graduation, students from Stevens can expect impressive earning potential, with an average salary of $108,772 within ten years of completing their degree. This financial success reflects the value of a degree from Stevens, especially in high-demand areas like engineering and tech. The cost of attendance can be manageable, particularly when considering the school’s financial aid options, though it's important to weigh the net price against potential earnings.
When looking at the practical aspects of attending Stevens, the net price after aid stands at $41,346, which means students should prepare for a significant investment. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $27,000. The environment here tends to be ideal for those who are eager to engage with their studies and are committed to making the most of their college experience. This is a community that thrives on ambition and collaboration, setting students up for success both during and after their time at Stevens.
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 Stevens Technology leads with Mechanical Engineering (45%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Clemson) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Stevens Technology).
The two schools feed different job markets. Clemson University is strongest in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, while Stevens Institute of Technology concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics. 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 Stevens Institute of Technology?
Clemson University is harder to get into, admitting 38% of applicants compared with 48% at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Clemson University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Clemson University is more affordable, with an average net price of $22,253 after aid versus $41,346 at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Do Clemson University or Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,513 at Clemson University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Clemson University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Stevens Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 87%.
Clemson University vs Stevens Institute of Technology: which is better for social mobility?
Stevens Institute of Technology is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4.3% versus 1.2%.
Should you choose Clemson University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Clemson University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Stevens Institute of Technology 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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