UNCW vs. Clemson

Comparable Facts

Compare University of North Carolina Wilmington in Wilmington, 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 UNCW based on total student enrollment (29,077 students vs. 18,848 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of North Carolina Wilmington is located in Wilmington, NC (Midsize City setting); Clemson University is in Clemson, SC (Distant Town setting).
• University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Clemson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of North Carolina Wilmington 17:1; Clemson University 16:1.

UNCW vs. Clemson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNCW 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 North Carolina Wilmington than Clemson ($18,976 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 6.9% lower than at University of North Carolina Wilmington ($13,284 vs. $14,268).
• Clemson University is 113.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNCW (about $8,277 more per year; $15,554.00 vs. $7,277.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.2% higher at Clemson than at University of North Carolina Wilmington (about $16,714 more per year; $40,866.00 vs. $24,152.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clemson University than at University of North Carolina Wilmington (75% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clemson University students is 70.6% larger than aid received by University of North Carolina Wilmington students ($11,389 vs. $6,674).

UNCW vs. Clemson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNCW 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 UNCW.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clemson University (1330) is 40 points higher than at UNCW (1290).
• Incoming Clemson students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at UNCW).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of North Carolina Wilmington 1230/1340; Clemson University 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of North Carolina Wilmington 24/29; Clemson University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNCW - 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: UNCW Feb 1, 2027; Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clemson students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at UNCW (3.56).
• UNCW has a higher acceptance rate (64.2%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at UNCW vs. 20.7% at Clemson.

UNCW vs. Clemson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNCW 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 North Carolina Wilmington's (67%).
• Graduates from Clemson University earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than UNCW graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,100 vs. $44,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of North Carolina Wilmington graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Clemson graduates ($20,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, UNCW graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clemson graduates ($211 vs. $222).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNCW students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 64%)

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.