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Clemson University vs Washington University in St Louis

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

10
Clemson Wins
5
Tied / N/A
31
Washington Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Suburban
Southeast
Region
Plains
23,300
Enrollment
7,857
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

38%
Acceptance Rate
12%
1353
SAT Average
1530
30
ACT Midpoint
34
1240-1410
SAT Range
1500-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$15,554
In-State Tuition
$65,790
$40,866
Out-of-State Tuition
$65,790
$22,253
Average Net Price
$21,786
$13,607
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,716
$14,109
Net Price ($30-48K)
$1,928
$18,851
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,578
$27,922
Net Price ($110K+)
$42,170
15%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
31%
Federal Loan Rate
12%

Academics

87%
Graduation Rate
94%
93%
Retention Rate
95%
88%
Full-Time Faculty
73%
$12,153
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,945
17%
First-Gen Students
11%

Student Body

50%
Female
53%
76%
White
40%
9%
Hispanic
13%
5%
Black
9%
3%
Asian
21%
0.41
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$58,311
Earnings (6yr)
$78,073
$65,822
Earnings (8yr)
$81,347
$71,513
Earnings (10yr)
$86,182
$21,500
Median Debt
$17,500
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
78%
Earning Above HS
84%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

120.14%
Mobility Rate
103.72%
3784.3%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5350.8%
317.5%
From Bottom 20%
193.8%
$120,200
Parent Median Income
$180,200

Social Capital

1.57
Economic Connectedness
1.83
0.01
Friending Bias
0.00
5.0%
Volunteering Rate
11.1%

Research (Times HE)

#350-400
World Rank
#38
20.8
Teaching Score
58.9
17
Research Score
63
25.5
Citations Score
88.6

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 University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit

12% accept 94% grad $86,182 earnings $21,786 net

With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Washington University in St. Louis attracts driven students looking for a rigorous academic environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like engineering, biology, social sciences, computer science, and business. The graduation rate of 94% reflects a supportive community that helps students succeed and achieve their goals.

Life after graduation looks promising, with alumni reporting an average earnings of $86,182 ten years out. This figure highlights the potential for financial stability in a variety of career paths. While nearly 18% of students receive Pell Grants, the school’s commitment to affordability helps ensure that students from different economic backgrounds can thrive.

On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,786, and the median debt for graduates is $17,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students here often leave school with a solid foundation for their financial futures. Those who tend to thrive are often self-motivated and eager to engage deeply with their studies and the campus community.

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