Florida State vs. Clemson

Comparable Facts

Compare Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL with Clemson University in Clemson, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Florida State University is larger than Clemson based on total student enrollment (43,889 students vs. 29,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Florida State University is located in Tallahassee, FL (Midsize City setting); Clemson University is in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Florida State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Florida State University 17:1; Clemson University 16:1.

Florida State vs. Clemson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Florida State 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 Florida State University than Clemson ($15,815 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 1.4% lower than at Florida State University ($13,284 vs. $13,474).
• Clemson University is 175% more expensive for in-state tuition than Florida State (about $9,898 more per year; $15,554.00 vs. $5,656.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 117.5% higher at Clemson than at Florida State University (about $22,080 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $18,786.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Florida State University than at Clemson University (91% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clemson University students is 22.7% larger than aid received by Florida State University students ($11,389 vs. $9,279).

Florida State vs. Clemson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Florida State 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 Florida State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Florida State University (1340) is 10 points higher than at Clemson (1330).
• Incoming Florida State students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Clemson (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Florida State University 1270/1410; Clemson University 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Florida State University 29/32; Clemson University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Florida State - Required to be considered for admission; Clemson - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Florida State Mar 1, 2027; Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clemson students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Florida State (3.7).
• Clemson has a higher acceptance rate (38.3%) than Florida State (24.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Florida State vs. 20.7% at Clemson.

Florida State vs. Clemson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Florida State 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).

• Clemson University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Florida State University's (74%).
• Graduates from Clemson University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Florida State graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,100 vs. $51,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Florida State University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Clemson graduates ($20,750 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Florida State graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clemson graduates ($214 vs. $222).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Florida State students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 63%)

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.