Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina · Public · 38.3% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 86/100 · Strong Value
Clemson University
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $15,554/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $40,866/yr |
| Average net price | $22,253/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $89,012 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $71,513 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $48,100 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $228 |
| Estimated payback period | 6.3 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 86.6% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 23,300 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,607 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,109 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,851 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,833 |
| $110,001+ | $27,922 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Clemson University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $70,059 | C+ |
| Marketing | $81,109 | C+ |
| Psychology | $55,126 | D |
| Biology | $65,577 | D |
| Finance and Financial Management | $91,269 | B+ |
| Registered Nursing | $74,491 | B+ |
| Mechanical Engineering | $91,028 | B+ |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $101,301 | B+ |
| Industrial Engineering | $92,491 | B |
| Teacher Education | $49,861 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Clemson University is $15,554/year ($40,866/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $22,253/year, or roughly $89,012 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $13,607/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $27,922/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $228 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $71,513 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.45 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 78.1% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 83.9% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 82.2% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 86.4% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 38.3% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 620-710 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 620-700 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 28-32 |
| Enrollment | 23,300 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 14.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,153 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson University (this school) | 86 | $22,253 | $71,513 |
| University of California-Santa Barbara | 90 | $16,109 | $74,915 |
| University of Georgia | 88 | $13,936 | $68,726 |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | 87 | $17,303 | $68,758 |
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina | 85 | $20,723 | $72,085 |
| College of Charleston | 57 | $18,960 | $56,416 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
Clemson University delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $22,253 per year ($89,012 over four years), graduates earn a median of $71,513 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 6.3 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 86.6% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $21,500 against $71,513 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.