U of A vs. Clemson

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ with Clemson University in Clemson, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Arizona is larger than Clemson based on total student enrollment (56,365 students vs. 29,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Arizona is located in Tucson, AZ (Large City setting); Clemson University is in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting).
• University of Arizona is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Arizona 20:1; Clemson University 16:1.

U of A vs. Clemson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, U of A 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 University of Arizona than Clemson ($19,055 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 20.7% lower than at University of Arizona ($13,284 vs. $16,746).
• Clemson University is 11.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than U of A (about $1,628 more per year; $15,554.00 vs. $13,926.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.5% higher at U of A than at Clemson University (about $1,412 more per year; $42,278.00 vs. $40,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Arizona than at Clemson University (95% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Arizona students is 21% larger than aid received by Clemson University students ($13,776 vs. $11,389).

U of A vs. Clemson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, U of A 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 U of A.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clemson University (1330) is 40 points higher than at U of A (1290).
• Incoming Clemson students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 25 at U of A).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arizona 1150/1420; Clemson University 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arizona 21/29; Clemson University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: U of A - 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: Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clemson students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at U of A (3.48).
• U of A has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.4% at U of A vs. 20.7% at Clemson.

U of A vs. Clemson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for U of A 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 University of Arizona's (61%).
• Graduates from Clemson University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than U of A graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,100 vs. $54,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Arizona graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Clemson graduates ($19,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, U of A graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clemson graduates ($196 vs. $222).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former U of A students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 66%)

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.