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Clemson University vs Texas A&M University

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

43.0% Clemson acceptance
63.0% Texas A&M acceptance
$4,596 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
Texas A&M
College Station, Texas
Public
Founded
1876
Enrollment
74,829
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Clemson saves $587
Clemson
$39,500
Texas A&M
$40,087
Acceptance Rate Clemson more selective
Clemson
43.0%
Texas A&M
63.0%
Graduation Rate Clemson higher
Clemson
84%
Texas A&M
83%
Avg SAT Score Clemson higher
Clemson
1320
Texas A&M
1290
Starting Salary Texas A&M higher
Clemson
$62,500
Texas A&M
$66,300

Detailed Comparison

Metric Clemson Texas A&M Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$39,500$40,087Clemson
Tuition (In-State)$15,558$12,413Texas A&M
Room & Board$12,376$12,938Clemson
Acceptance Rate43.0%63.0%Clemson
Graduation Rate84%83%Clemson
Average SAT13201290Clemson
Student-Faculty Ratio16:119:1Clemson
Enrollment29,30674,829-
Avg Financial Aid$12,300$13,700Texas A&M
Starting Salary$62,500$66,300Texas A&M
Endowment$1.1B$17.1BTexas A&M
Campus Size1,400 acres5,200 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Clemson
$207,504
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Texas A&M
$212,100
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Clemson = $158,304 | Texas A&M = $157,300. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Clemson Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingComputer Science

Texas A&M Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyAgricultureBiomedical Science

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ClemsonRural
Texas A&MSuburban
Campus Size
Clemson1,400 ac
Texas A&M5,200 ac
Athletics
ClemsonNCAA D1
Texas A&MNCAA D1
Region
ClemsonSouth
Texas A&MSouth
Founded
Clemson1889
Texas A&M1876
Enrollment
Clemson29,306
Texas A&M74,829

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clemson or Texas A&M harder to get into?+
Clemson is more selective with an acceptance rate of 43.0% compared to 63.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Clemson or Texas A&M?+
At sticker price, Clemson costs less over 4 years ($207,504 vs $212,100). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Clemson offers an average of $12,300/year in aid while Texas A&M offers $13,700/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Clemson and Texas A&M?+
The average SAT score at Clemson is 1320 and at Texas A&M it is 1290. 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 Texas A&M graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Texas A&M have a higher average starting salary ($66,300 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 Texas A&M has 19:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Clemson and Texas A&M compare for campus life?+
Clemson is located in Clemson, South Carolina (rural setting) with a 1,400-acre campus. Texas A&M is in College Station, Texas (suburban setting) with 5,200 acres. Clemson competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Texas A&M in NCAA D1.