Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Clemson University vs University of South Carolina-Columbia

Clemson, SC · Columbia, SC · Source: IPEDS federal database

Clemson UniversityUniversity of South Carolina-Columbia
Acceptance Rate38.3%60.2%
In-State Tuition$15,554$12,688
Out-of-State Tuition$40,866$35,972
Average Net Price$25,003$24,488
Graduation Rate87.0%79.0%
Total Enrollment29,07738,532
Student-Faculty Ratio1619

GradFax Analysis

Clemson University accepts 38.3% of applicants. University of South Carolina-Columbia accepts 60.2%. Clemson University's in-state tuition is $15,554. University of South Carolina-Columbia's is $12,688. University of South Carolina-Columbia is cheaper. Clemson University graduates 87% of students in 6 years. University of South Carolina-Columbia graduates 79%.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Clemson University profileUniversity of South Carolina-Columbia profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Clemson University or University of South Carolina-Columbia?

Clemson University. It accepts 38.3% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Clemson University or University of South Carolina-Columbia more affordable?

University of South Carolina-Columbia, on average. After aid, students pay $24,488/year versus $25,003/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Clemson University: 87% of students finish in 6 years. University of South Carolina-Columbia is at 79%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.