Head-to-Head Comparison
Clemson University vs University of Georgia
- Clemson Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 10
- Georgia Wins
- 30
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Georgia offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,936 vs Clemson University's $22,253, University of Georgia delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Georgia'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
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $71,513 ten years after enrollment, 4% more than University of Georgia
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Georgia
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,936, roughly $8,317 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,500, the lower of the two
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #201-225
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Clemson graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (26% of degrees); Georgia in Business & Marketing (29%). 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 Clemson University over University of Georgia. Median earnings of $71,513 ten years after enrollment vs $68,726.
Pick University of Georgia over Clemson University. Net price $13,936 vs $22,253.
Pick University of Georgia over Clemson University. THE World Rank #201-225 vs #350-400.
Pick Clemson University over University of Georgia. 1.2% mobility rate vs 1.1%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Clemson University and University of Georgia are close on paper, but University of Georgia wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Georgia is the harder admit. It takes 38% of applicants, while Clemson University takes 38%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,353 to 1,397.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Georgia 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, University of Georgia comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,936, about $8,317 a year below Clemson University's $22,253. Graduates of University of Georgia also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $21,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $33,268 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Georgia leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Clemson University graduates report median earnings of $71,513, compared with $68,726 at University of Georgia. That is a 4% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Georgia has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.27x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 4% 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
Clemson University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.2%; at University of Georgia, it is 1.1%. Clemson University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Clemson 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, University of Georgia sits higher, at #201 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 University of Georgia to keep costs and debt down; pick Clemson 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. University of Georgia saves about $8,317 a year, yet Clemson University graduates earn $2,787 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
University of Georgia is harder to get into, with a 38% admit rate, but Clemson University posts the higher mobility rate, at 1.2%. 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, Social Sciences, while University of Georgia leans toward Biology & Biomedical, Communications. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $22,253 runs well above University of Georgia's $13,936.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,500, against $18,500 at University of Georgia.
- Engineering-focused students: Clemson University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Georgia holds onto its admits more tightly: 38% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Clemson — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Clemson, where only about 55% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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.
University of Georgia
Athens, GA · Public
The University of Georgia has a graduation rate of 89%, indicating strong student persistence and success. This is a significant figure for prospective students evaluating the likelihood of completing their degree.
According to Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility statistics are not available for this institution. However, the overall outcomes for graduates suggest a solid earning potential. Alumni report an average income of $68,726 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of a degree from this university.
The cost of attendance is relatively manageable with a net price of $13,936 and a median debt of $18,500. Students who thrive here typically pursue popular programs in Business, Communications, and Biological Sciences. The diverse offerings cater to a range of interests, making it a suitable choice for many.
Rankings They Appear On
Clemson University is featured on the Best Colleges in South Carolina ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 26% of Clemson's student body and 29% of Georgia's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Clemson) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Georgia).
The two schools feed different job markets. Clemson University is strongest in Engineering, Social Sciences, while University of Georgia concentrates in Communications, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Clemson University or University of Georgia?
University of Georgia is harder to get into, admitting 38% of applicants compared with 38% at Clemson University.
Which is more affordable, Clemson University or University of Georgia?
University of Georgia is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,936 after aid versus $22,253 at Clemson University.
Do Clemson University or University of Georgia graduates earn more?
Clemson University graduates earn more: median earnings of $71,513 ten years after enrollment, versus $68,726 at University of Georgia.
Which has a better graduation rate, Clemson University or University of Georgia?
University of Georgia has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 87%.
Clemson University vs University of Georgia: which is better for social mobility?
Clemson University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.2% versus 1.1%.
Should you choose Clemson University or University of Georgia?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Georgia if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Clemson 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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