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Clemson University vs Dartmouth College

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

43.0% Clemson acceptance
6.2% Dartmouth acceptance
$129,636 Clemson cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Clemson
Clemson, South Carolina
Public
Founded
1889
Enrollment
29,306
Setting
Rural
Dartmouth
Hanover, New Hampshire
Private
Founded
1769
Enrollment
6,806
Setting
Rural

At a Glance

Tuition Clemson saves $26,011
Clemson
$39,500
Dartmouth
$65,511
Acceptance Rate Dartmouth more selective
Clemson
43.0%
Dartmouth
6.2%
Graduation Rate Dartmouth higher
Clemson
84%
Dartmouth
95%
Avg SAT Score Dartmouth higher
Clemson
1320
Dartmouth
1530
Starting Salary Dartmouth higher
Clemson
$62,500
Dartmouth
$82,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric Clemson Dartmouth Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$39,500$65,511Clemson
Tuition (In-State)$15,558$65,511Clemson
Room & Board$12,376$18,774Clemson
Acceptance Rate43.0%6.2%Dartmouth
Graduation Rate84%95%Dartmouth
Average SAT13201530Dartmouth
Student-Faculty Ratio16:17:1Dartmouth
Enrollment29,3066,806-
Avg Financial Aid$12,300$54,640Dartmouth
Starting Salary$62,500$82,700Dartmouth
Endowment$1.1B$8.5BDartmouth
Campus Size1,400 acres269 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Clemson
$207,504
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Dartmouth
$337,140
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Clemson = $158,304 | Dartmouth = $118,580. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Clemson Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingComputer Science

Dartmouth Top Majors

EconomicsComputer ScienceGovernmentEngineeringBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ClemsonRural
DartmouthRural
Campus Size
Clemson1,400 ac
Dartmouth269 ac
Athletics
ClemsonNCAA D1
DartmouthNCAA D1
Region
ClemsonSouth
DartmouthNortheast
Founded
Clemson1889
Dartmouth1769
Enrollment
Clemson29,306
Dartmouth6,806

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clemson or Dartmouth harder to get into?+
Dartmouth is more selective with an acceptance rate of 6.2% compared to 43.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Clemson or Dartmouth?+
At sticker price, Clemson costs less over 4 years ($207,504 vs $337,140). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Clemson offers an average of $12,300/year in aid while Dartmouth offers $54,640/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Clemson and Dartmouth?+
The average SAT score at Clemson is 1320 and at Dartmouth it is 1530. 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 Clemson or Dartmouth graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Dartmouth have a higher average starting salary ($82,700 vs $62,500). 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?+
Clemson has a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Dartmouth has 7:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Clemson and Dartmouth compare for campus life?+
Clemson is located in Clemson, South Carolina (rural setting) with a 1,400-acre campus. Dartmouth is in Hanover, New Hampshire (rural setting) with 269 acres. Clemson competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Dartmouth in NCAA D1.