Clemson vs. Roanoke College

Comparable Facts

Compare Clemson University in Clemson, SC with Roanoke College in Salem, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clemson University is larger than Roanoke College based on total student enrollment (29,077 students vs. 1,804 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clemson University is located in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting); Roanoke College is in Salem, VA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Roanoke College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clemson University 16:1; Roanoke College 11:1.

Clemson vs. Roanoke College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clemson or Roanoke College? 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 Roanoke College ($25,003 vs. $26,044).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 13.5% lower than at Roanoke College ($13,284 vs. $15,366).
• Roanoke College is 144.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clemson (about $22,514 more per year; $38,068.00 vs. $15,554.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.4% higher at Clemson than at Roanoke College (about $2,798 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $38,068.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Roanoke College than at Clemson University (100% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Roanoke College students is 147.5% larger than aid received by Clemson University students ($28,188 vs. $11,389).

Clemson vs. Roanoke College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clemson or Roanoke College? 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 Roanoke College and Clemson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clemson University (1330) is 130 points higher than at Roanoke College (1200).
• Incoming Clemson students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Roanoke College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 1240/1410; Roanoke College 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 28/32; Roanoke College 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clemson - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Roanoke College - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clemson students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Roanoke College (3.56).
• Roanoke College has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Clemson vs. 9.7% at Roanoke College.

Clemson vs. Roanoke College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clemson and Roanoke College? 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 Roanoke College's (69%).
• Graduates from Clemson University earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than Roanoke College graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,100 vs. $51,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clemson University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Roanoke College graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Clemson graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Roanoke College graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Roanoke College students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 75%)

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.