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Clemson University vs NYU

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

43.0% Clemson acceptance
12.2% NYU acceptance
$120,560 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
NYU
New York, New York
Private
Founded
1831
Enrollment
59,144
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Clemson saves $20,938
Clemson
$39,500
NYU
$60,438
Acceptance Rate NYU more selective
Clemson
43.0%
NYU
12.2%
Graduation Rate NYU higher
Clemson
84%
NYU
87%
Avg SAT Score NYU higher
Clemson
1320
NYU
1480
Starting Salary NYU higher
Clemson
$62,500
NYU
$74,100

Detailed Comparison

Metric Clemson NYU Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$39,500$60,438Clemson
Tuition (In-State)$15,558$60,438Clemson
Room & Board$12,376$21,578Clemson
Acceptance Rate43.0%12.2%NYU
Graduation Rate84%87%NYU
Average SAT13201480NYU
Student-Faculty Ratio16:18:1NYU
Enrollment29,30659,144-
Avg Financial Aid$12,300$38,960NYU
Starting Salary$62,500$74,100NYU
Endowment$1.1B$6.2BNYU
Campus Size1,400 acres230 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Clemson
$207,504
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
NYU
$328,064
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Clemson = $158,304 | NYU = $172,224. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Clemson Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingComputer Science

NYU Top Majors

BusinessLiberal StudiesFilmEconomicsComputer Science

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ClemsonRural
NYUUrban
Campus Size
Clemson1,400 ac
NYU230 ac
Athletics
ClemsonNCAA D1
NYUNCAA D3
Region
ClemsonSouth
NYUNortheast
Founded
Clemson1889
NYU1831
Enrollment
Clemson29,306
NYU59,144

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clemson or NYU harder to get into?+
NYU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.2% compared to 43.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Clemson or NYU?+
At sticker price, Clemson costs less over 4 years ($207,504 vs $328,064). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Clemson offers an average of $12,300/year in aid while NYU offers $38,960/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Clemson and NYU?+
The average SAT score at Clemson is 1320 and at NYU it is 1480. 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 NYU graduates earn more?+
Graduates of NYU have a higher average starting salary ($74,100 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 NYU has 8:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Clemson and NYU compare for campus life?+
Clemson is located in Clemson, South Carolina (rural setting) with a 1,400-acre campus. NYU is in New York, New York (urban setting) with 230 acres. Clemson competes in NCAA D1 athletics and NYU in NCAA D3.