Clemson University vs University of Georgia
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
Good news if you're stuck between them: Clemson University and University of Georgia come out about even on financial return. Clemson University scores 86/100 and University of Georgia scores 88/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Georgia runs $13,936 a year against $22,253 at Clemson University - $8,317 more a year, or about $33,268 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Clemson University graduates earn a median $71,513 against $68,726 at University of Georgia. The cost earns itself back in 6.3 years at Clemson University and 5.8 years at University of Georgia.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Georgia owing a median $18,500 versus $21,500 at Clemson University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.45 and 0.41 - 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 | University of Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $15,554 | $11,450 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,866 | $31,688 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,253 | $13,936 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $89,012 | $55,744 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $48,100 | $45,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $71,513 | $68,726 |
| Graduation Rate | 86.6% | 89.7% |
| Payback Period | 6.3 yr | 5.8 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,500 | $18,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $228 | $196 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.45 | 0.41 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 83.9% | 75.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 82.2% | 70.7% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 38.3% | 37.7% |
| Enrollment | 23,300 | 32,137 |
| SAT Range | 1240-1410 | 1270-1480 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Clemson University | University of Georgi... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $13,607 | $8,085 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,109 | $8,686 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $18,851 | $13,096 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,833 | $16,942 |
| $110,001+ | $27,922 | $18,079 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Clemson University | University of Georgi... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $102,762 | $99,739 |
| Electrical Engineering | $96,446 | $98,280 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $91,269 | $97,364 |
| Accounting | $84,458 | $93,260 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $91,028 | $88,366 |
| Civil Engineering | $84,873 | $87,684 |
| Marketing | $81,109 | $85,785 |
| Mathematics | $82,450 | $65,436 |
| Economics | $79,468 | $82,438 |
| Environmental Engineering | $81,714 | $81,604 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | $81,526 | $37,864 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $70,059 | $80,881 |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $67,050 | $75,921 |
| Landscape Architecture | $65,469 | $74,983 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $71,968 | $74,531 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Clemson University | University of Georgi... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 83 | 93 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 88 | 90 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 82 | 86 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 94 | 96 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 83 | 56 |
| Overall ROI Score | 86 | 88 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of Georgia edges out Clemson University by 2 points (88 vs 86), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Clemson University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Georgia
Strong 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.