Head-to-Head Comparison
Clemson University vs Villanova University
- Clemson Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 15
- Villanova Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Clemson University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Villanova University achieves a higher graduation rate (92% vs 87%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $43,756 compared to Clemson University's $22,253. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Clemson University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 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 $21,503 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,500, the lower of the two
Villanova
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $100,423 ten years after enrollment, 40% more than Clemson University
- Higher grad rate: 92% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 27% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Clemson graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (26% of degrees); Villanova in Business & Marketing (23%). 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 Villanova University over Clemson University. Median earnings of $100,423 ten years after enrollment vs $71,513.
Pick Clemson University over Villanova University. Net price $22,253 vs $43,756.
Pick Villanova University over Clemson University. 1.3% mobility rate vs 1.2%.
Pick Villanova University over Clemson University. 92% completion rate vs 87%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Clemson University and Villanova University are close on paper, but Villanova 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
Villanova University is the harder admit. It takes 27% of applicants, while Clemson University takes 38%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,353 to 1,460.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Villanova 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 $21,503 a year below Villanova University's $43,756. Graduates of Clemson University also borrow less: median debt of $21,500, against $25,874.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $86,012 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, Villanova University graduates report median earnings of $100,423, compared with $71,513 at Clemson University. That is a 40% advantage. Set against borrowing, Villanova University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 40% 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
Villanova University graduates a larger share of its students, 92% versus 87%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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
Villanova University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.3%; at Clemson University, it is 1.2%. Clemson University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Villanova 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 Villanova 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. Clemson University saves about $21,503 a year, yet Villanova University graduates earn $28,910 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Clemson University's enrollment of 23,300 far exceeds Villanova University's 6,938.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $43,756 runs well above Clemson University's $22,253.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,874, against $21,500 at Clemson University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Villanova holds onto its admits more tightly: 28% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Clemson — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Villanova offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Clemson does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Villanova, 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) 6 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.
Villanova University
Villanova, PA · Private nonprofit
At Villanova University, students can expect a tight-knit campus environment with an enrollment of just under 7,000. This university is a great fit for those pursuing degrees in Business and Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Health Professions, and Communications. With an acceptance rate of 27%, it attracts motivated students who are ready to engage deeply in their studies and community.
Looking ahead, graduates from Villanova see impressive outcomes. The average earnings a decade after graduation sit at $100,423, which speaks volumes about the value of a Villanova degree in today’s job market. The school's strong graduation rate of 92% indicates that students not only enroll but also complete their degrees, setting them up for success in their chosen fields.
When it comes to the financial side, the net price after financial aid is $43,756, which is important to consider alongside the median debt level of $25,874. This suggests that while the costs can be significant, many students manage to navigate their financial responsibilities effectively. Those who thrive here are often driven, engaged, and ready to leverage the resources Villanova offers to propel their careers forward.
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 23% of Villanova's.
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 Villanova).
The two schools feed different job markets. Clemson University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, while Villanova University 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 Villanova University?
Villanova University is harder to get into, admitting 27% of applicants compared with 38% at Clemson University.
Which is more affordable, Clemson University or Villanova University?
Clemson University is more affordable, with an average net price of $22,253 after aid versus $43,756 at Villanova University.
Do Clemson University or Villanova University graduates earn more?
Villanova University graduates earn more: median earnings of $100,423 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,513 at Clemson University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Clemson University or Villanova University?
Villanova University has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 87%.
Clemson University vs Villanova University: which is better for social mobility?
Villanova University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.3% versus 1.2%.
Should you choose Clemson University or Villanova University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Clemson University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Villanova 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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