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Clemson University vs University of Georgia

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

43.0% Clemson acceptance
39.0% UGA acceptance
$34,664 UGA 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
UGA
Athens, Georgia
Public
Founded
1785
Enrollment
41,652
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $8,380
Clemson
$39,500
UGA
$31,120
Acceptance Rate UGA more selective
Clemson
43.0%
UGA
39.0%
Graduation Rate UGA higher
Clemson
84%
UGA
88%
Avg SAT Score UGA higher
Clemson
1320
UGA
1340
Starting Salary Clemson higher
Clemson
$62,500
UGA
$58,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric Clemson UGA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$39,500$31,120UGA
Tuition (In-State)$15,558$12,080UGA
Room & Board$12,376$12,090UGA
Acceptance Rate43.0%39.0%UGA
Graduation Rate84%88%UGA
Average SAT13201340UGA
Student-Faculty Ratio16:117:1Clemson
Enrollment29,30641,652-
Avg Financial Aid$12,300$12,980UGA
Starting Salary$62,500$58,700Clemson
Endowment$1.1B$2.0BUGA
Campus Size1,400 acres762 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Clemson
$207,504
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Clemson = $158,304 | UGA = $120,920. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Clemson Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingComputer Science

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ClemsonRural
UGASuburban
Campus Size
Clemson1,400 ac
UGA762 ac
Athletics
ClemsonNCAA D1
UGANCAA D1
Region
ClemsonSouth
UGASouth
Founded
Clemson1889
UGA1785
Enrollment
Clemson29,306
UGA41,652

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clemson or UGA harder to get into?+
UGA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 39.0% compared to 43.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Clemson or UGA?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $207,504). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Clemson offers an average of $12,300/year in aid while UGA offers $12,980/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Clemson and UGA?+
The average SAT score at Clemson is 1320 and at UGA it is 1340. 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 UGA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Clemson have a higher average starting salary ($62,500 vs $58,700). 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 UGA has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Clemson and UGA compare for campus life?+
Clemson is located in Clemson, South Carolina (rural setting) with a 1,400-acre campus. UGA is in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with 762 acres. Clemson competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UGA in NCAA D1.