NC State vs. Clemson

Comparable Facts

Compare North Carolina State University at Raleigh in Raleigh, NC with Clemson University in Clemson, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Carolina State University at Raleigh is larger than Clemson based on total student enrollment (38,464 students vs. 29,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina State University at Raleigh is located in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting); Clemson University is in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting).
• North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina State University at Raleigh 15:1; Clemson University 16:1.

NC State vs. Clemson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NC 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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh than Clemson ($15,522 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 7.3% lower than at North Carolina State University at Raleigh ($13,284 vs. $14,332).
• Clemson University is 76.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than NC State (about $6,755 more per year; $15,554.00 vs. $8,799.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.4% higher at Clemson than at North Carolina State University at Raleigh (about $8,019 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $32,847.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clemson University than at North Carolina State University at Raleigh (75% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina State University at Raleigh students is 2.5% larger than aid received by Clemson University students ($11,675 vs. $11,389).

NC State vs. Clemson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Carolina State University at Raleigh (1390) is 60 points higher than at Clemson (1330).
• Incoming NC 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: North Carolina State University at Raleigh 1300/1470; Clemson University 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Carolina State University at Raleigh 28/32; Clemson University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NC State - 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: NC State Jan 15, 2027; Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NC State students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Clemson (3.75).
• NC State has a higher acceptance rate (41.7%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at NC State vs. 20.7% at Clemson.

NC State vs. Clemson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NC 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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh's (72%).
• Graduates from North Carolina State University at Raleigh earn a median of about $100 more per year than Clemson graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,200 vs. $57,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Carolina State University at Raleigh graduates have a $718 lower median loan debt than Clemson graduates ($20,782 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, NC 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 NC State students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 76%)

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.