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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $34,494 |
| Tuition and Fees | $39,498 |
| Room and Board | $12,872 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,436 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,382 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $22,112 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $14,212 |
| $30–48k | $14,857 |
| $48–75k | $19,988 |
| $75–110k | $24,020 |
| $110k+ | $27,348 |
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.
Clemson University's financial aid profile reflects selective institutional positioning with moderate economic accessibility. The 14.5% Pell share indicates limited enrollment of students from families earning below $30,000 annually, well below typical public university levels.
This suggests financial aid effectiveness may be concentrated among moderate-income families rather than the lowest-income students. The $12,382 average financial aid savings demonstrates meaningful institutional commitment to affordability, though net prices remain above peer levels.
Aid targeting appears most effective for families in the $30,000-$75,000 income range, where net prices remain relatively controlled. Higher-income families face net prices approaching full cost of attendance, typical for public institutions with limited need-based aid for upper-income students.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Clemson University graduates carry median debt of $21,500, slightly above the peer median of $20,000 but within reasonable ranges for public university graduates. Debt levels span from $8,740 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing across most students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 represents manageable burden relative to graduate earnings of $71,513, well within sustainable ratios. Parent PLUS borrowing reaches a median of $31,281 with monthly payments of $412, indicating families supplement student borrowing with additional financing.
The debt percentile ranking of 58.0 places Clemson near national averages for borrowing levels. Most graduates can expect debt service consuming roughly 30% of gross earnings in early career years, declining as earnings grow over time.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Clemson University presents a mixed investment profile combining strong absolute earnings with cost challenges relative to similar institutions. Graduates earn $71,513 median income ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 87.0th percentile nationally and $10,970 above the peer median of $60,543.
However, graduates earn $21,436 less than expectations relative to student demographics, indicating negative value-added performance. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 remains manageable, supporting debt sustainability despite higher net prices.
Parent PLUS monthly payments of $412 represent additional family financial commitment beyond student borrowing. Top-performing programs in Artificial Intelligence, Industrial Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering deliver exceptional returns justifying premium pricing.
