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Clemson University vs Yale University

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

43.0% Clemson acceptance
4.4% Yale acceptance
$128,096 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
Yale
New Haven, Connecticut
Private
Founded
1701
Enrollment
14,776
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Clemson saves $25,200
Clemson
$39,500
Yale
$64,700
Acceptance Rate Yale more selective
Clemson
43.0%
Yale
4.4%
Graduation Rate Yale higher
Clemson
84%
Yale
96%
Avg SAT Score Yale higher
Clemson
1320
Yale
1540
Starting Salary Yale higher
Clemson
$62,500
Yale
$83,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Clemson Yale Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$39,500$64,700Clemson
Tuition (In-State)$15,558$64,700Clemson
Room & Board$12,376$19,200Clemson
Acceptance Rate43.0%4.4%Yale
Graduation Rate84%96%Yale
Average SAT13201540Yale
Student-Faculty Ratio16:14:1Yale
Enrollment29,30614,776-
Avg Financial Aid$12,300$57,410Yale
Starting Salary$62,500$83,200Yale
Endowment$1.1B$41.4BYale
Campus Size1,400 acres373 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Clemson
$207,504
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Yale
$335,600
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Clemson = $158,304 | Yale = $105,960. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Clemson Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingComputer Science

Yale Top Majors

EconomicsPolitical ScienceHistoryComputer ScienceBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ClemsonRural
YaleUrban
Campus Size
Clemson1,400 ac
Yale373 ac
Athletics
ClemsonNCAA D1
YaleNCAA D1
Region
ClemsonSouth
YaleNortheast
Founded
Clemson1889
Yale1701
Enrollment
Clemson29,306
Yale14,776

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clemson or Yale harder to get into?+
Yale is more selective with an acceptance rate of 4.4% compared to 43.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Clemson or Yale?+
At sticker price, Clemson costs less over 4 years ($207,504 vs $335,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Clemson offers an average of $12,300/year in aid while Yale offers $57,410/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Clemson and Yale?+
The average SAT score at Clemson is 1320 and at Yale it is 1540. 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 Yale graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Yale have a higher average starting salary ($83,200 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 Yale has 4:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Clemson and Yale compare for campus life?+
Clemson is located in Clemson, South Carolina (rural setting) with a 1,400-acre campus. Yale is in New Haven, Connecticut (urban setting) with 373 acres. Clemson competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Yale in NCAA D1.