Clemson vs. Tennessee

Comparable Facts

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

The University of Tennessee Knoxville is larger than Clemson based on total student enrollment (38,728 students vs. 29,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clemson University is located in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting); The University of Tennessee Knoxville is in Knoxville, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Tennessee Knoxville is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clemson University 16:1; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 18:1.

Clemson vs. Tennessee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clemson or Tennessee? 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 The University of Tennessee Knoxville than Clemson ($21,648 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 0.5% lower than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville ($13,284 vs. $13,356).
• Clemson University is 12.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee (about $1,742 more per year; $15,554.00 vs. $13,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.9% higher at Clemson than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (about $7,610 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $33,256.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of Tennessee Knoxville than at Clemson University (94% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Tennessee Knoxville students is 0.4% larger than aid received by Clemson University students ($11,434 vs. $11,389).

Clemson vs. Tennessee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clemson University (1330) is 40 points higher than at Tennessee (1290).
• Incoming Clemson students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Tennessee).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 1240/1410; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 1200/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 28/32; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clemson - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Tennessee - Required to be considered for admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clemson students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Tennessee (3.66).
• Tennessee has a higher acceptance rate (41.6%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Clemson vs. 27.4% at Tennessee.

Clemson vs. Tennessee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clemson and Tennessee? 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 The University of Tennessee Knoxville's (63%).
• Graduates from Clemson University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Tennessee graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,100 vs. $56,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Tennessee Knoxville graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Clemson graduates ($20,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clemson graduates ($206 vs. $222).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 69%)

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.