Clemson vs. Virginia Tech

Comparable Facts

Compare Clemson University in Clemson, SC with Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia Tech is larger than Clemson based on total student enrollment (38,857 students vs. 29,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clemson University is located in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting); Virginia Tech is in Blacksburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Tech is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clemson University 16:1; Virginia Tech 17:1.

Clemson vs. Virginia Tech Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clemson or Virginia 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 Virginia Tech than Clemson ($24,912 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 19.7% lower than at Virginia Tech ($13,284 vs. $16,550).
• Virginia Tech is 2.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clemson (about $394 more per year; $15,948.00 vs. $15,554.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.2% higher at Clemson than at Virginia Tech (about $3,102 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $37,764.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clemson University than at Virginia Tech (75% vs. 60%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clemson University students is 24.2% larger than aid received by Virginia Tech students ($11,389 vs. $9,168).

Clemson vs. Virginia Tech Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia Tech (1370) is 40 points higher than at Clemson (1330).
• Incoming Clemson students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Virginia Tech (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 1240/1410; Virginia Tech 1280/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 28/32; Virginia Tech 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clemson - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Virginia Tech - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Clemson May 1, 2027; Virginia Tech Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Virginia Tech students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Clemson (3.75).
• Virginia Tech has a higher acceptance rate (54.8%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Clemson vs. 25.3% at Virginia Tech.

Clemson vs. Virginia Tech Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clemson and Virginia 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).

• Virginia Tech's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Clemson University's (80%).
• Graduates from Virginia Tech earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than Clemson graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,000 vs. $57,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clemson University graduates have a $2,466 lower median loan debt than Virginia Tech graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,966).
• Among borrowers, Clemson graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Tech graduates ($222 vs. $247).
• More Virginia Tech graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clemson students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 78%)

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.