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Clemson University vs University of Pittsburgh

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

43.0% Clemson acceptance
42.0% Pitt acceptance
$3,656 Pitt 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
Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Pitt saves $2,168
Clemson
$39,500
Pitt
$37,332
Acceptance Rate Pitt more selective
Clemson
43.0%
Pitt
42.0%
Graduation Rate Clemson higher
Clemson
84%
Pitt
83%
Avg SAT Score Pitt higher
Clemson
1320
Pitt
1370
Starting Salary Pitt higher
Clemson
$62,500
Pitt
$64,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric Clemson Pitt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$39,500$37,332Pitt
Tuition (In-State)$15,558$21,080Clemson
Room & Board$12,376$13,630Clemson
Acceptance Rate43.0%42.0%Pitt
Graduation Rate84%83%Clemson
Average SAT13201370Pitt
Student-Faculty Ratio16:114:1Pitt
Enrollment29,30634,163-
Avg Financial Aid$12,300$15,600Pitt
Starting Salary$62,500$64,600Pitt
Endowment$1.1B$5.6BPitt
Campus Size1,400 acres132 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Clemson
$207,504
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Clemson = $158,304 | Pitt = $141,448. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Clemson Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingComputer Science

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ClemsonRural
PittUrban
Campus Size
Clemson1,400 ac
Pitt132 ac
Athletics
ClemsonNCAA D1
PittNCAA D1
Region
ClemsonSouth
PittNortheast
Founded
Clemson1889
Pitt1787
Enrollment
Clemson29,306
Pitt34,163

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clemson or Pitt harder to get into?+
Pitt is more selective with an acceptance rate of 42.0% compared to 43.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Clemson or Pitt?+
At sticker price, Pitt costs less over 4 years ($203,848 vs $207,504). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Clemson offers an average of $12,300/year in aid while Pitt offers $15,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Clemson and Pitt?+
The average SAT score at Clemson is 1320 and at Pitt it is 1370. 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 Pitt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Pitt have a higher average starting salary ($64,600 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 Pitt has 14:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Clemson and Pitt compare for campus life?+
Clemson is located in Clemson, South Carolina (rural setting) with a 1,400-acre campus. Pitt is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 132 acres. Clemson competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Pitt in NCAA D1.