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Clemson University vs University of Virginia-Main Campus

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

7
Clemson Wins
12
Tied / N/A
27
University Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Public
Suburban
Setting
Suburban
Southeast
Region
Southeast
23,300
Enrollment
17,597
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

38%
Acceptance Rate
17%
1353
SAT Average
1480
30
ACT Midpoint
34
1240-1410
SAT Range
1410-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$15,554
In-State Tuition
$21,803
$40,866
Out-of-State Tuition
$59,512
$22,253
Average Net Price
$21,565
$13,607
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$8,174
$14,109
Net Price ($30-48K)
$9,696
$18,851
Net Price ($48-75K)
$13,283
$27,922
Net Price ($110K+)
$35,402
15%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
31%
Federal Loan Rate
20%

Academics

87%
Graduation Rate
95%
93%
Retention Rate
98%
88%
Full-Time Faculty
96%
$12,153
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$17,428
17%
First-Gen Students
16%

Student Body

50%
Female
55%
76%
White
49%
9%
Hispanic
8%
5%
Black
8%
3%
Asian
20%
0.41
Diversity Index
0.71

Outcomes

$58,311
Earnings (6yr)
$72,359
$65,822
Earnings (8yr)
$80,156
$71,513
Earnings (10yr)
$86,863
$21,500
Median Debt
$17,500
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
78%
Earning Above HS
80%

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
1.82
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.01
5.0%
Volunteering Rate
8.6%

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.

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

17% accept 95% grad $86,863 earnings $21,565 net

With an acceptance rate of just 17%, the University of Virginia-Main Campus attracts students who are ready for an academically rigorous environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in a wide range of disciplines, particularly in humanities, social sciences, engineering, business, and computer science. Students here are not just looking for a degree; they’re aiming for a transformative college experience that prepares them for real-world challenges.

After graduation, students typically see solid returns on their investment. With a median earning of $86,863 ten years post-graduation, many graduates find themselves in a stable financial position. The affordable net price of $21,565 means that with careful planning and support, students can graduate with manageable debt, averaging around $17,500. This financial outlook is encouraging, especially for those who may worry about student loans impacting their future.

Ultimately, the practical aspects of attending UVA-Main Campus play a crucial role in student success. With a supportive environment, it’s a place where driven students can thrive, particularly those who are proactive about taking advantage of the resources available. This community fosters not just academic excellence but also personal growth, making it a smart choice for those ready to engage deeply in their education.

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