Clemson University vs College of Charleston
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Clemson University comes out ahead: 86/100 to 57/100, a 29-point edge over College of Charleston. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, College of Charleston runs $18,960 a year against $22,253 at Clemson University - $3,293 more a year, or about $13,172 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Clemson University graduates earn a median $71,513 against $56,416 at College of Charleston. The cost earns itself back in 6.3 years at Clemson University and 10.1 years at College of Charleston.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Clemson University owing a median $21,500 versus $23,250 at College of Charleston. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.45 and 0.64 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Clemson University | College of Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $15,554 | $12,978 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,866 | $38,296 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,253 | $18,960 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $89,012 | $75,840 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $48,100 | $36,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $71,513 | $56,416 |
| Graduation Rate | 86.6% | 65.8% |
| Payback Period | 6.3 yr | 10.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,500 | $23,250 |
| Monthly Payment | $228 | $246 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.45 | 0.64 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 83.9% | 68.0% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 82.2% | 66.1% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 38.3% | 60.0% |
| Enrollment | 23,300 | 10,558 |
| SAT Range | 1240-1410 | 1140-1310 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Clemson University | College of Charlesto... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $13,607 | $12,133 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,109 | $13,406 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $18,851 | $16,797 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,833 | $20,089 |
| $110,001+ | $27,922 | $24,996 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Clemson University | College of Charlesto... |
|---|---|---|
| Information Science | $105,646 | $93,285 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $101,301 | $98,059 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $91,269 | $84,187 |
| Accounting | $84,458 | $85,826 |
| Mathematics | $82,450 | $54,942 |
| Marketing | $81,109 | $68,348 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $70,059 | $71,360 |
| Romance Languages | $70,584 | $56,122 |
| Chemistry | $67,996 | $39,208 |
| Biology | $65,577 | $55,342 |
| International Relations | $64,822 | $58,955 |
| Psychology | $55,126 | $47,926 |
| Sociology | $54,780 | $48,709 |
| English Language and Literature | $50,582 | $51,705 |
| History | $50,125 | $47,424 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Clemson University | College of Charlesto... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 83 | 63 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 88 | 61 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 82 | 42 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 94 | 70 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 83 | 35 |
| Overall ROI Score | 86 | 57 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: Clemson University clearly outperforms College of Charleston (86 vs 57), a 29-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless College of Charleston brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to Clemson University.
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Clemson University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
College of Charleston
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.