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Arizona State University vs Clemson University

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

88.0% ASU acceptance
43.0% Clemson acceptance
$26,704 ASU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

ASU
Tempe, Arizona
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
83,446
Setting
Urban
Clemson
Clemson, South Carolina
Public
Founded
1889
Enrollment
29,306
Setting
Rural

At a Glance

Tuition ASU saves $8,300
ASU
$31,200
Clemson
$39,500
Acceptance Rate Clemson more selective
ASU
88.0%
Clemson
43.0%
Graduation Rate Clemson higher
ASU
69%
Clemson
84%
Avg SAT Score Clemson higher
ASU
1230
Clemson
1320
Starting Salary Clemson higher
ASU
$60,100
Clemson
$62,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric ASU Clemson Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,200$39,500ASU
Tuition (In-State)$12,479$15,558ASU
Room & Board$14,000$12,376Clemson
Acceptance Rate88.0%43.0%Clemson
Graduation Rate69%84%Clemson
Average SAT12301320Clemson
Student-Faculty Ratio18:116:1Clemson
Enrollment83,44629,306-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$12,300ASU
Starting Salary$60,100$62,500Clemson
Endowment$1.5B$1.1BASU
Campus Size1,695 acres1,400 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

ASU
$180,800
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Clemson
$207,504
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: ASU = $131,200 | Clemson = $158,304. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

ASU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringPsychologyBiologySupply Chain

Clemson Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingComputer Science

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ASUUrban
ClemsonRural
Campus Size
ASU1,695 ac
Clemson1,400 ac
Athletics
ASUNCAA D1
ClemsonNCAA D1
Region
ASUWest
ClemsonSouth
Founded
ASU1885
Clemson1889
Enrollment
ASU83,446
Clemson29,306

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASU or Clemson harder to get into?+
Clemson is more selective with an acceptance rate of 43.0% compared to 88.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, ASU or Clemson?+
At sticker price, ASU costs less over 4 years ($180,800 vs $207,504). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. ASU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while Clemson offers $12,300/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for ASU and Clemson?+
The average SAT score at ASU is 1230 and at Clemson it is 1320. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do ASU or Clemson graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Clemson have a higher average starting salary ($62,500 vs $60,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
ASU has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Clemson has 16:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do ASU and Clemson compare for campus life?+
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona (urban setting) with a 1,695-acre campus. Clemson is in Clemson, South Carolina (rural setting) with 1,400 acres. ASU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Clemson in NCAA D1.