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Clemson University vs Tufts University

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

11
Clemson Wins
5
Tied / N/A
30
Tufts Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Suburban
Southeast
Region
New England
23,300
Enrollment
7,061
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

38%
Acceptance Rate
11%
1353
SAT Average
1513
30
ACT Midpoint
34
1240-1410
SAT Range
1470-1560

Cost & Financial Aid

$15,554
In-State Tuition
$70,704
$40,866
Out-of-State Tuition
$70,704
$22,253
Average Net Price
$39,998
$13,607
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$11,284
$14,109
Net Price ($30-48K)
$9,811
$18,851
Net Price ($48-75K)
$14,923
$27,922
Net Price ($110K+)
$58,570
15%
Pell Grant Rate
12%
31%
Federal Loan Rate
19%

Academics

87%
Graduation Rate
93%
93%
Retention Rate
96%
88%
Full-Time Faculty
64%
$12,153
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,205
17%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

50%
Female
46%
76%
White
41%
9%
Hispanic
10%
5%
Black
6%
3%
Asian
17%
0.41
Diversity Index
0.77

Outcomes

$58,311
Earnings (6yr)
$68,337
$65,822
Earnings (8yr)
$70,761
$71,513
Earnings (10yr)
$83,214
$21,500
Median Debt
$16,250
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
78%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

120.14%
Mobility Rate
212.66%
3784.3%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6216.7%
317.5%
From Bottom 20%
342.1%
$120,200
Parent Median Income
$187,900

Social Capital

1.57
Economic Connectedness
1.89
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.00
5.0%
Volunteering Rate
12.3%

Research (Times HE)

#350-400
World Rank
#53
20.8
Teaching Score
64.1
17
Research Score
52.3
25.5
Citations Score
83.9

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.

Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private nonprofit

11% accept 93% grad $83,214 earnings $39,998 net

With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Tufts University attracts students who are ready to engage in a vibrant academic community. This school is ideal for those passionate about social sciences, engineering, biology and biomedical fields, computer science and IT, or the visual and performing arts. What stands out is the commitment to a well-rounded education that encourages exploration and interdisciplinary study, making it a great fit for curious minds eager to make an impact.

After graduation, students can expect a solid earning potential, with a 10-year median salary of $83,214. This figure highlights the strong return on investment for graduates. With a graduation rate of 93%, it's clear that students not only thrive academically but also transition successfully into their careers. While the Pell Grant rate is at 12%, indicating that a smaller percentage of students come from low-income backgrounds, those who do tend to find pathways to upward mobility in their professional lives.

Looking at the practical side, the net price of attending Tufts is around $39,998 after aid, which is significant but manageable for many. Graduates carry a median debt of $16,250, a figure that suggests a thoughtful balance between investment in education and financial responsibility. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are driven, engaged, and ready to take advantage of the diverse opportunities available on campus and beyond.

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