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Clemson University vs University of Florida

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

43.0% Clemson acceptance
23.0% UF acceptance
$46,272 UF 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
UF
Gainesville, Florida
Public
Founded
1853
Enrollment
55,211
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UF saves $10,842
Clemson
$39,500
UF
$28,658
Acceptance Rate UF more selective
Clemson
43.0%
UF
23.0%
Graduation Rate UF higher
Clemson
84%
UF
90%
Avg SAT Score UF higher
Clemson
1320
UF
1390
Starting Salary UF higher
Clemson
$62,500
UF
$64,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Clemson UF Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$39,500$28,658UF
Tuition (In-State)$15,558$6,380UF
Room & Board$12,376$11,650UF
Acceptance Rate43.0%23.0%UF
Graduation Rate84%90%UF
Average SAT13201390UF
Student-Faculty Ratio16:117:1Clemson
Enrollment29,30655,211-
Avg Financial Aid$12,300$12,860UF
Starting Salary$62,500$64,200UF
Endowment$1.1B$2.7BUF
Campus Size1,400 acres2,000 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Clemson
$207,504
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UF
$161,232
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Clemson = $158,304 | UF = $109,792. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Clemson Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingComputer Science

UF Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ClemsonRural
UFSuburban
Campus Size
Clemson1,400 ac
UF2,000 ac
Athletics
ClemsonNCAA D1
UFNCAA D1
Region
ClemsonSouth
UFSouth
Founded
Clemson1889
UF1853
Enrollment
Clemson29,306
UF55,211

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clemson or UF harder to get into?+
UF is more selective with an acceptance rate of 23.0% compared to 43.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Clemson or UF?+
At sticker price, UF costs less over 4 years ($161,232 vs $207,504). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Clemson offers an average of $12,300/year in aid while UF offers $12,860/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Clemson and UF?+
The average SAT score at Clemson is 1320 and at UF it is 1390. 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 UF graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UF have a higher average starting salary ($64,200 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 UF has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Clemson and UF compare for campus life?+
Clemson is located in Clemson, South Carolina (rural setting) with a 1,400-acre campus. UF is in Gainesville, Florida (suburban setting) with 2,000 acres. Clemson competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UF in NCAA D1.