Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given Clemson's 38% acceptance rate and selective academic profile, most applicants should consider backup options. The alternatives below provide comparable outcomes with different admission profiles, costs, or geographic locations.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar outcomes with better admission odds, consider Wofford College (58.6% acceptance, $68,964 median earnings) just 55 miles from Clemson. Furman University admits 52.6% of applicants while producing graduates earning $68,635, located 28 miles away. University of Delaware offers 65.1% acceptance rates with $72,950 median earnings and strong engineering programs. All three institutions provide meaningful alternatives with higher acceptance rates while maintaining competitive career outcomes.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students preferring to remain in the Southeast should consider University of Georgia (37.2% acceptance, $68,726 earnings) 59 miles away for similar selectivity with lower costs. Within South Carolina, Wofford College (55 miles) and Presbyterian College (57 miles) offer in-state options with different admission profiles. University of Georgia particularly stands out for students seeking similar academic rigor with significantly lower net prices at $13,816 versus Clemson's $22,112.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
Similar quality tier (#236 ranked)
