Duke vs. Clemson

Comparable Facts

Compare Duke University in Durham, NC with Clemson University in Clemson, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clemson University is larger than Duke based on total student enrollment (29,077 students vs. 17,499 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Duke University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Clemson University is in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Duke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Duke University 5:1; Clemson University 16:1.

Duke vs. Clemson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Duke or Clemson? 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 Duke University than Clemson ($21,981 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 26.7% lower than at Duke University ($13,284 vs. $18,128).
• Duke University is 342.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clemson (about $53,204 more per year; $68,758.00 vs. $15,554.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.3% higher at Duke than at Clemson University (about $27,892 more per year; $68,758.00 vs. $40,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clemson University than at Duke University (75% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Duke University students is 475.3% larger than aid received by Clemson University students ($65,522 vs. $11,389).

Duke vs. Clemson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Duke University (1540) is 210 points higher than at Clemson (1330).
• Incoming Duke students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at Clemson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Duke University 1500/1570; Clemson University 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Duke University 34/35; Clemson University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Duke - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Clemson - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Duke Jan 3, 2027; Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Duke students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at Clemson (3.75).
• Clemson has a higher acceptance rate (38.3%) than Duke (5.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 58.8% at Duke vs. 20.7% at Clemson.

Duke vs. Clemson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Duke and Clemson? 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).

• Duke University's six-year graduation rate (94%) is higher than Clemson University's (80%).
• Graduates from Duke University earn a median of about $51,800 more per year than Clemson graduates about ten years after starting college ($108,900 vs. $57,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Duke University graduates have a $14,000 lower median loan debt than Clemson graduates ($7,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Duke graduates have an estimated $145 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clemson graduates ($77 vs. $222).
• More Duke graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clemson students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.