Clemson vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Clemson University in Clemson, SC with Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clemson University is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (29,077 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clemson University is located in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clemson University 16:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Clemson vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clemson or Washington and Lee? 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 Washington and Lee University than Clemson ($23,055 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 28.9% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($13,284 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 337.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clemson (about $52,491 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $15,554.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 66.5% higher at Washington and Lee than at Clemson University (about $27,179 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $40,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clemson University than at Washington and Lee University (75% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 461.5% larger than aid received by Clemson University students ($63,945 vs. $11,389).

Clemson vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 160 points higher than at Clemson (1330).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 30 at Clemson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 1240/1410; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clemson University 28/32; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clemson - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Washington and Lee - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Clemson May 1, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Clemson (3.75).
• Clemson has a higher acceptance rate (38.3%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Clemson vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Clemson vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clemson and Washington and Lee? 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).

• Washington and Lee University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Clemson University's (80%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $31,900 more per year than Clemson graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $57,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University and Clemson graduates have the same median loan debt ($21,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Washington and Lee University and Clemson graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($222 vs. $222).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clemson students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.