Head-to-Head Comparison
Clemson University vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Clemson Wins
- 14
- Tied
- 18
- Massachusetts-Amherst Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Clemson University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $22,253 vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383, Clemson University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. 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 $130 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 87% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- 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
Massachusetts-Amherst
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $71,631 ten years after enrollment, 0% more than Clemson University
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Clemson graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (26% of degrees); Massachusetts-Amherst in Business & Marketing (17%). 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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst over Clemson University. Median earnings of $71,631 ten years after enrollment vs $71,513.
Pick Clemson University over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Net price $22,253 vs $22,383.
Pick Clemson University over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. 87% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Clemson University and University of Massachusetts-Amherst are close on paper, but Clemson University 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
Clemson University is the harder admit. It takes 38% of applicants, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst takes 60%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,353 to 1,423.
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 $130 a year below University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383. Graduates of Clemson University also borrow less: median debt of $21,500, against $22,763.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $520 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, University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates report median earnings of $71,631, compared with $71,513 at Clemson University. That is a 0% advantage. Set against borrowing, Clemson University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.3x to 0.32x.
So what: An earnings gap of 0% 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.
Finishing the degree
Clemson University graduates a larger share of its students, 87% versus 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Clemson University to keep costs and debt down; pick University of Massachusetts-Amherst for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Clemson University saves about $130 a year, yet University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates earn $118 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Clemson University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Clemson competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Engineering-focused students: Clemson University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Clemson holds onto its admits more tightly: 21% of admitted students enroll, versus 17% at Massachusetts-Amherst — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Massachusetts-Amherst, where only about 28% 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 Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA · Public
With an enrollment of 23,671 students, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a great fit for those looking for a diverse and vibrant campus life. It stands out for its strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Engineering. Students here are often engaged in a wide range of studies, reflecting both academic rigor and practical application. The acceptance rate of 60% means that while it’s accessible, there’s still a competitive edge that can stimulate personal growth.
Graduates from UMass-Amherst can expect solid outcomes, with a median earning of $71,631 ten years after graduation. This figure speaks volumes about the potential return on investment. It’s encouraging to know that students can find rewarding careers, especially considering the affordability of education here. The net price after aid is $22,383, which positions the school as a reasonable choice for many families.
When it comes to finances, the median debt stands at $22,763, which is manageable given the earning potential. UMass-Amherst tends to attract students who are motivated and ready to embrace the opportunities that come with a public university experience. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, there’s a commitment to supporting diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Overall, this school nurtures those who are eager to thrive both academically and professionally after graduation.
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 17% of Massachusetts-Amherst's.
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 Massachusetts-Amherst).
The two schools feed different job markets. Clemson University is strongest in Engineering, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst concentrates in Computer Science & IT. 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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
Clemson University is harder to get into, admitting 38% of applicants compared with 60% at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which is more affordable, Clemson University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
Clemson University is more affordable, with an average net price of $22,253 after aid versus $22,383 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Do Clemson University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates earn more?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates earn more: median earnings of $71,631 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,513 at Clemson University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Clemson University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
Clemson University has the higher graduation rate, 87% versus 83%.
Should you choose Clemson University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Clemson University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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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