Head-to-Head Comparison
Clemson University vs University of Portland
- Clemson Wins
- 24
- Tied
- 12
- Portland Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Clemson University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $22,253 vs University of Portland's $28,210, Clemson University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Clemson University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $71,513 at ten years.
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 $5,957 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 87% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 38% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Portland
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,804 ten years after enrollment, 16% more than Clemson University
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,370, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Clemson graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (26% of degrees); Portland in Health Professions (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 University of Portland over Clemson University. Median earnings of $82,804 ten years after enrollment vs $71,513.
Pick Clemson University over University of Portland. Net price $22,253 vs $28,210.
Pick Clemson University over University of Portland. 1.2% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Clemson University over University of Portland. 87% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Clemson University and University of Portland 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 Portland takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,353 to 1,277.
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 $5,957 a year below University of Portland's $28,210. Graduates of University of Portland also borrow less: median debt of $21,370, against $21,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $23,828 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 Portland graduates report median earnings of $82,804, compared with $71,513 at Clemson University. That is a 16% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Portland has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 16% 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 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% 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.
Moving people up
Clemson University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.2%; at University of Portland, it is 0.9%. Clemson University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.8%.
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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Clemson University to keep costs and debt down; pick University of Portland 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 $5,957 a year, yet University of Portland graduates earn $11,291 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 Social Sciences, while University of Portland leans toward Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Clemson University's enrollment of 23,300 far exceeds University of Portland's 2,957.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $28,210 runs well above Clemson University's $22,253.
- Engineering-focused students: Clemson University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Test scores matter less at Portland, where only about 9% 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 Portland
Portland, OR · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of just under 3,000 students, the University of Portland is a great fit for those seeking a close-knit community while still accessing solid academic programs. Students here often dive into popular fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and Psychology. An acceptance rate of 89% indicates that the university welcomes a diverse range of applicants, making it an appealing option for many.
After graduation, students can expect to earn about $82,804 within ten years, which can be quite encouraging when considering job prospects. This earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. While nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, the supportive environment helps many move up in their careers, even if specific mobility rates aren’t available.
When it comes to the financials, the net price after aid sits at $28,210, which can be manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $21,370, suggesting that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of student loans. Those who thrive here are often proactive, engaged, and looking for a collaborative atmosphere that values both academic and personal growth.
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 Portland leads with Nursing (BSN) (29%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Clemson) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Portland).
The two schools feed different job markets. Clemson University is strongest in Social Sciences, while University of Portland concentrates in Health Professions. 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 Portland?
Clemson University is harder to get into, admitting 38% of applicants compared with 89% at University of Portland.
Which is more affordable, Clemson University or University of Portland?
Clemson University is more affordable, with an average net price of $22,253 after aid versus $28,210 at University of Portland.
Do Clemson University or University of Portland graduates earn more?
University of Portland graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,804 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,513 at Clemson University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Clemson University or University of Portland?
Clemson University has the higher graduation rate, 87% versus 80%.
Clemson University vs University of Portland: which is better for social mobility?
Clemson University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.2% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Clemson University or University of Portland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Clemson University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of Portland 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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