Clemson University combines selective admissions with well above average career outcomes. As a Selective Achievers institution, the university produces strong absolute earnings despite serving fewer low-income students, with top-performing programs in engineering, artificial intelligence, and business supporting long-term career advancement.
Strong absolute earnings outcomes in engineering and business programs
Cost challenges typical of public universities with limited state support
The university's ability to serve diverse student populations despite selective admission standards
Effective economic advancement outcomes
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisTop 25% nationally for graduate earnings
Clemson University delivers strong earnings outcomes relative to its cost structure and student profile. Graduates earn a median of $71,513 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 87.0th percentile nationally and representing top 25% performance.
Earnings range from $46,322 at the 25th percentile to $100,350 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career paths across engineering, business, and health programs. However, graduates earn $21,436 less than expectations relative to similar student demographics, placing Clemson in the 1.9th percentile for earnings beyond expectations.
Students seeking strong post-graduation earnings in engineering, business, and nursing programs at a selective public university. Well-suited for students who value academic rigor and career outcomes, though the 14.5% Pell share indicates limited economic diversity.
Strong option for South Carolina residents given in-state advantages.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Clemson University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/clemson-university/analysis.
Clemson University ranks #238 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, placing it in the 85.4th percentile with well above average performance. Located in Clemson, South Carolina, this large public research university maintains selective admission standards with a 38.0% acceptance rate while delivering strong post-graduation outcomes.
Clemson enrolls 14.5% Pell-eligible students and 17.2% first-generation students, below typical levels for public institutions but reflecting its selective positioning. The university demonstrates particularly strong performance in access, ranking at the 82.3rd percentile, while maintaining well above average return performance at the 75.0th percentile.
Clemson's Selective Achievers designation reflects its combination of selective admissions with strong earnings outcomes, serving fewer low-income students while delivering above-average career results. Test scores rank among the highest Azimuth tracks, with SAT ranges from 1230-1390 and ACT ranges from 28-32.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Clemson University's published cost of attendance is $34,494 per year for in-state students, including $15,554 in tuition, $12,872 for room and board, and $1,436 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face significantly higher tuition of $39,498, bringing total costs substantially higher.
However, the average student pays $22,112 after financial aid, representing savings of $12,382 from the sticker price. This net price places Clemson $6,522 above the peer median of $15,590, indicating higher costs relative to similar public institutions.
The university's affordability index ranks at the 39.2nd percentile, reflecting cost challenges typical of public universities with limited state funding. Financial aid effectiveness varies significantly by family income, with lower-income families receiving more substantial support.
The cost structure reflects Clemson's positioning as a flagship-level institution with corresponding pricing, requiring careful financial planning for families across income levels. Students should evaluate total costs including opportunity costs and debt implications when considering enrollment decisions.
Clemson University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over their early career trajectory. Median earnings rise from $58,311 six years after enrollment to $65,822 at eight years and $71,513 at ten years, representing 22.6% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on substantial cohort sizes of 3,282 graduates at six years, 4,265 at eight years, and 3,720 at ten years, providing high confidence in reported figures. While graduates earn $21,436 less than expectations compared to similar students nationally, absolute earnings remain well above average at the 87.0th percentile.
Low-income graduates earn $54,700, demonstrating the university's ability to produce strong outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds despite limited access. Earnings span from $46,322 at the 25th percentile to $100,350 at the 75th percentile, a 2.2:1 ratio reflecting program diversity across engineering, business, and health sciences.
Approximately 25.4% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
Clemson University admits approximately 38.0% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Clemson in the Selective (25-50%) admissions tier, representing moderate to high competitiveness among four-year institutions.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights Clemson's significantly more selective positioning compared to typical public universities, with a 40.0 percentage point difference. This level of selectivity means that academically qualified students face meaningful competition in the admission process, though acceptance odds remain more favorable than highly selective institutions.
Students considering Clemson should expect a thorough evaluation of academic credentials, extracurricular involvement, and fit with the university's academic programs. The university's position as a flagship-level institution in South Carolina contributes to sustained application demand.
For prospective students, Clemson's selectivity indicates the importance of building balanced college lists that include institutions with higher acceptance rates alongside similar academic quality. Treating Clemson as a match or slight reach school depending on individual qualifications represents sound application strategy for most students.
Artificial Intelligence.
157 graduates
Chemical Engineering, Other.
66 graduates
Computer Engineering, General.
65 graduates
Industrial Engineering.
159 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
75 graduates
Clemson University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Artificial Intelligence ranks #26 nationally and #1 in South Carolina, producing 157 graduates with median earnings of $100,006 and an exceptional value score of 87.6.
Industrial Engineering ranks #36 nationally and #1 in South Carolina, graduating 159 students with median earnings of $83,583. Mechanical Engineering ranks #142 nationally but #1 in South Carolina, with 228 graduates earning $79,302.
Business Administration represents the largest program by enrollment, graduating 379 students annually with median earnings of $58,834 and ranking #187 nationally. Psychology ranks #102 nationally and #1 in South Carolina, graduating 303 students with median earnings of $46,792.
Biology ranks #53 nationally and #1 in South Carolina, with 275 graduates earning $55,365.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wofford College Higher acceptance rate (20.5 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 55 miles away; similar graduate earnings | SC | 59% | $68,964 | Compare |
Furman University Higher acceptance rate (14.5 percentage points higher) and located 28 miles away; similar graduate earnings | SC | 53% | $68,635 | Compare |
University Of Delaware Higher acceptance rate (27.1 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | DE | 65% | $72,950 | Compare |
California State University-East Bay Higher acceptance rate (58.8 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | CA | 97% | $71,401 | Compare |
Wofford College Same state (55 miles away) with nearly identical earnings and similar program focus | SC | 59% | $68,964 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Colorado State University-Fort Collins Similar quality tier (#235 ranked) | CO | 90% | $60,543 | #235 | Compare |
University Of Kansas Similar quality tier (#234 ranked) | KS | 88% | $61,945 | #234 | Compare |
Rowan University Similar quality tier (#233 ranked) | NJ | 78% | $59,988 | #233 | Compare |
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Similar quality tier (#232 ranked) | PA | 80% | $63,435 | #232 | Compare |
University Of West Florida Similar quality tier in Southeast (#230 ranked) | FL | 57% | $49,137 | #230 | Compare |
