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Clemson University vs Georgia Tech

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

43.0% Clemson acceptance
16.0% Georgia Tech acceptance
$21,760 Georgia Tech 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
Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
47,285
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgia Tech saves $5,706
Clemson
$39,500
Georgia Tech
$33,794
Acceptance Rate Georgia Tech more selective
Clemson
43.0%
Georgia Tech
16.0%
Graduation Rate Georgia Tech higher
Clemson
84%
Georgia Tech
90%
Avg SAT Score Georgia Tech higher
Clemson
1320
Georgia Tech
1450
Starting Salary Georgia Tech higher
Clemson
$62,500
Georgia Tech
$83,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric Clemson Georgia Tech Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$39,500$33,794Georgia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$15,558$12,682Georgia Tech
Room & Board$12,376$12,642Clemson
Acceptance Rate43.0%16.0%Georgia Tech
Graduation Rate84%90%Georgia Tech
Average SAT13201450Georgia Tech
Student-Faculty Ratio16:115:1Georgia Tech
Enrollment29,30647,285-
Avg Financial Aid$12,300$16,280Georgia Tech
Starting Salary$62,500$83,600Georgia Tech
Endowment$1.1B$4.2BGeorgia Tech
Campus Size1,400 acres400 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Clemson
$207,504
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Georgia Tech
$185,744
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Clemson = $158,304 | Georgia Tech = $120,624. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Clemson Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingComputer Science

Georgia Tech Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessIndustrial EngineeringBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ClemsonRural
Georgia TechUrban
Campus Size
Clemson1,400 ac
Georgia Tech400 ac
Athletics
ClemsonNCAA D1
Georgia TechNCAA D1
Region
ClemsonSouth
Georgia TechSouth
Founded
Clemson1889
Georgia Tech1885
Enrollment
Clemson29,306
Georgia Tech47,285

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clemson or Georgia Tech harder to get into?+
Georgia Tech is more selective with an acceptance rate of 16.0% compared to 43.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Clemson or Georgia Tech?+
At sticker price, Georgia Tech costs less over 4 years ($185,744 vs $207,504). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Clemson offers an average of $12,300/year in aid while Georgia Tech offers $16,280/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Clemson and Georgia Tech?+
The average SAT score at Clemson is 1320 and at Georgia Tech it is 1450. 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 Georgia Tech graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($83,600 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 Georgia Tech has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Clemson and Georgia Tech compare for campus life?+
Clemson is located in Clemson, South Carolina (rural setting) with a 1,400-acre campus. Georgia Tech is in Atlanta, Georgia (urban setting) with 400 acres. Clemson competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Georgia Tech in NCAA D1.