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Clemson University vs Union College

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

17
Clemson Wins
14
Tied / N/A
15
Union Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Urban
Southeast
Region
Mid-Atlantic
23,300
Enrollment
2,046
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

38%
Acceptance Rate
44%
1353
SAT Average
1395
30
ACT Midpoint
30
1240-1410
SAT Range
1310-1480

Cost & Financial Aid

$15,554
In-State Tuition
$69,039
$40,866
Out-of-State Tuition
$69,039
$22,253
Average Net Price
$34,561
$13,607
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$11,776
$14,109
Net Price ($30-48K)
$16,415
$18,851
Net Price ($48-75K)
$23,941
$27,922
Net Price ($110K+)
$45,017
15%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
31%
Federal Loan Rate
44%

Academics

87%
Graduation Rate
83%
93%
Retention Rate
90%
88%
Full-Time Faculty
90%
$12,153
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$12,031
17%
First-Gen Students
13%

Student Body

50%
Female
50%
76%
White
63%
9%
Hispanic
11%
5%
Black
4%
3%
Asian
7%
0.41
Diversity Index
0.57

Outcomes

$58,311
Earnings (6yr)
$63,219
$65,822
Earnings (8yr)
$81,488
$71,513
Earnings (10yr)
$88,604
$21,500
Median Debt
$25,337
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.29x
78%
Earning Above HS
82%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

120.14%
Mobility Rate
N/A
3784.3%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
317.5%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$120,200
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.57
Economic Connectedness
1.83
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.00
5.0%
Volunteering Rate
8.2%

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.

Union College

Schenectady, NY · Private nonprofit

44% accept 83% grad $88,604 earnings $34,561 net

Union College is a solid choice for students interested in a diverse range of studies, particularly in social sciences, engineering, biology, and psychology. With an enrollment of about 2,046 students and an acceptance rate of 44%, it strikes a balance between being accessible and maintaining a close-knit community. The graduation rate of 83% reflects a supportive environment where students tend to thrive and complete their degrees.

When it comes to what happens after graduation, students from Union College can expect a median earning of $88,604 within ten years of finishing their degree. This level of earning power suggests that graduates are well-prepared for the job market, with many finding roles that allow them to grow both personally and professionally. The affordability factor also plays a role in this, as financial burdens are important to consider when thinking about long-term success.

The financial bottom line shows a net price of $34,561 after aid, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. With a median debt of $25,337, students can graduate with a reasonable financial outlook, especially relative to their earning potential. Those who tend to thrive at Union are likely to be motivated, engaged, and ready to take on the academic rigor of the programs offered, all while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere in Schenectady.

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