Catawba College vs. Clemson

Comparable Facts

Compare Catawba College in Salisbury, NC with Clemson University in Clemson, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clemson University is larger than Catawba College based on total student enrollment (29,077 students vs. 1,376 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Catawba College is located in Salisbury, NC (Distant Town setting); Clemson University is in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Catawba College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Catawba College 13:1; Clemson University 16:1.

Catawba College vs. Clemson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Catawba College 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 Catawba College than Clemson ($18,447 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 2.1% lower than at Catawba College ($13,284 vs. $13,565).
• Catawba College is 120.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clemson (about $18,746 more per year; $34,300.00 vs. $15,554.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.1% higher at Clemson than at Catawba College (about $6,566 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $34,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Catawba College than at Clemson University (100% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Catawba College students is 170.5% larger than aid received by Clemson University students ($30,808 vs. $11,389).

Catawba College vs. Clemson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Catawba College 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 Catawba College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clemson University (1330) is 160 points higher than at Catawba College (1170).
• Incoming Clemson students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 21 at Catawba College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 1030/1300; Clemson University 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 17/25; Clemson University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Catawba College - 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: Catawba College Aug 15, 2027; Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clemson students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Catawba College (3.64).
• Catawba College has a higher acceptance rate (75.2%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Catawba College vs. 20.7% at Clemson.

Catawba College vs. Clemson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Catawba College 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 Catawba College's (54%).
• Graduates from Clemson University earn a median of about $15,100 more per year than Catawba College graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,100 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clemson University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Catawba College graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Clemson graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Catawba College graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Catawba College students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 60%)

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.