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Clemson University vs Washington and Lee University

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

11
Clemson Wins
12
Tied / N/A
23
Washington Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Town
Southeast
Region
Southeast
23,300
Enrollment
1,881
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

38%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1353
SAT Average
1498
30
ACT Midpoint
34
1240-1410
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$15,554
In-State Tuition
$68,045
$40,866
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,045
$22,253
Average Net Price
$23,781
$13,607
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-1,777
$14,109
Net Price ($30-48K)
$75
$18,851
Net Price ($48-75K)
$4,497
$27,922
Net Price ($110K+)
$40,646
15%
Pell Grant Rate
11%
31%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

87%
Graduation Rate
94%
93%
Retention Rate
97%
88%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$12,153
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,155
17%
First-Gen Students
N/A

Student Body

50%
Female
44%
76%
White
68%
9%
Hispanic
9%
5%
Black
5%
3%
Asian
5%
0.41
Diversity Index
0.52

Outcomes

$58,311
Earnings (6yr)
$76,516
$65,822
Earnings (8yr)
$89,772
$71,513
Earnings (10yr)
$94,810
$21,500
Median Debt
$19,500
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
78%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

120.14%
Mobility Rate
57.09%
3784.3%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5102.3%
317.5%
From Bottom 20%
111.9%
$120,200
Parent Median Income
$226,700

Social Capital

1.57
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.01
Friending Bias
0.00
5.0%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

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.

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit

14% accept 94% grad $94,810 earnings $23,781 net

With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Washington and Lee University draws students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply in their studies. This private institution, located in Lexington, Virginia, is known for strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Physical Sciences. If you’re looking for a place that encourages critical thinking and a close-knit community, this might just be the right fit for you.

Graduates from Washington and Lee see impressive earnings, with a median income of $94,810 ten years after graduation. This kind of financial outcome suggests that students who excel here are well-prepared for the job market and often find themselves in higher-paying positions. The strong graduation rate of 94% also points to a supportive environment that helps students succeed academically and transition smoothly into their careers.

When it comes to the practicalities of attending Washington and Lee, the net price after aid stands at $23,781, which is relatively manageable given the high earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $19,500, students can graduate with a reasonable amount of loans, especially considering the high salaries many alumni achieve. Those who thrive here are typically driven, engaged, and ready to make the most of their educational experience.

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