Auburn vs. Clemson

Comparable Facts

Compare Auburn University in Auburn, AL with Clemson University in Clemson, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Auburn University is larger than Clemson based on total student enrollment (34,145 students vs. 29,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Auburn University is located in Auburn, AL (Small City setting); Clemson University is in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Auburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Auburn University 21:1; Clemson University 16:1.

Auburn vs. Clemson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Auburn or Clemson? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Clemson University than Auburn ($25,003 vs. $25,242).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 20.1% lower than at Auburn University ($13,284 vs. $16,626).
• Clemson University is 20.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Auburn (about $2,664 more per year; $15,554.00 vs. $12,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17% higher at Clemson than at Auburn University (about $5,944 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $34,922.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Auburn University than at Clemson University (80% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clemson University students is 4.8% larger than aid received by Auburn University students ($11,389 vs. $10,872).

Auburn vs. Clemson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Auburn or Clemson? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Clemson and Auburn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Auburn University (1330) is the same as at Clemson (1330).
• Incoming Clemson students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Auburn).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 1260/1390; Clemson University 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 26/31; Clemson University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Auburn - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Clemson - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Auburn Feb 1, 2027; Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Auburn students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Clemson (3.75).
• Auburn has a higher acceptance rate (45.9%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.1% at Auburn vs. 20.7% at Clemson.

Auburn vs. Clemson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Auburn and Clemson? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Clemson University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Auburn University's (66%).
• Graduates from Clemson University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Auburn graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,100 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clemson University and Auburn graduates have the same median loan debt ($21,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Clemson University and Auburn graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($222 vs. $222).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Auburn students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 73%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.