Clemson vs. Tennessee Tech

Comparable Facts

Compare Clemson University in Clemson, SC with Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clemson University is larger than Tennessee Tech based on total student enrollment (29,077 students vs. 10,511 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clemson University is located in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting); Tennessee Technological University is in Cookeville, TN (Remote Town setting).
• Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee Technological University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clemson University 16:1; Tennessee Technological University 16:1.

Clemson vs. Tennessee Tech Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clemson or Tennessee Tech? 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 Tennessee Technological University than Clemson ($15,336 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 0.1% lower than at Tennessee Technological University ($13,284 vs. $13,302).
• Clemson University is 36.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee Tech (about $4,178 more per year; $15,554.00 vs. $11,376.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 162.4% higher at Clemson than at Tennessee Technological University (about $25,290 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $15,576.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Tennessee Technological University than at Clemson University (95% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clemson University students is 8.9% larger than aid received by Tennessee Technological University students ($11,389 vs. $10,458).

Clemson vs. Tennessee Tech Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clemson or Tennessee Tech? 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 Tennessee Tech and Clemson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clemson University (1330) is 150 points higher than at Tennessee Tech (1180).
• Incoming Clemson students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 23 at Tennessee Tech).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 1240/1410; Tennessee Technological University 1048/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 28/32; Tennessee Technological University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clemson - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Tennessee Tech - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Clemson May 1, 2027; Tennessee Tech Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clemson students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Tennessee Tech (3.63).
• Tennessee Tech has a higher acceptance rate (76.1%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Clemson vs. 22.8% at Tennessee Tech.

Clemson vs. Tennessee Tech Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clemson and Tennessee Tech? 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 Tennessee Technological University's (50%).
• Graduates from Clemson University earn a median of about $13,700 more per year than Tennessee Tech graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,100 vs. $43,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee Technological University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Clemson graduates ($16,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee Tech graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clemson graduates ($165 vs. $222).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee Tech students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 61%)

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.