Clemson University vs University of South Carolina Aiken

Q: How do graduation rates compare between Clemson University and University of South Carolina Aiken?

Clemson University has a graduation rate of 87% compared to 41% at University of South Carolina Aiken.

Q: Which school has higher earnings, Clemson University or University of South Carolina Aiken?

Clemson University graduates earn more, with median 5-year earnings of $58,311 compared to $39,689 at University of South Carolina Aiken.

Clemson University

University of South Carolina Aiken

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data

Metric	Clemson University	University of South Carolina Aiken	Winner
Acceptance Rate	38%	80%	Clemson University
Graduation Rate	87%	41%	Clemson University
Avg Earnings (5yr)	$58,311	$39,689	Clemson University
Median Debt	$21,500	$24,275	Clemson University
Tuition (In-State)	$15,554	$10,760	University of South Carolina Aiken
Retention Rate	93%	64%	Clemson University
Financial Aid	33%	46%	University of South Carolina Aiken

Comparison Analysis

Clemson University graduates earn significantly more than University of South Carolina Aiken graduates. Clemson graduates earn $58,311, while Aiken graduates earn $39,689. Clemson has a higher graduation rate, at 86.6%, compared to Aiken's 41.3%. Clemson also has a much lower acceptance rate, at 38.1%, compared to Aiken's 79.7%.

Aiken has a lower tuition cost. Aiken's tuition is $10,760, while Clemson's tuition is $15,554.

Clemson appears to offer a stronger value proposition due to higher earnings and a much higher graduation rate, despite the higher tuition cost. Students may consider acceptance rates and their academic preparedness when making their decision.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major	Clemson University Earnings	University of South Carolina Aiken Earnings	Difference
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$47,260	$44,816	5% favor Clemson University
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$47,260	$72,109	53% favor University of South Carolina Aiken
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$87,271	$44,816	95% favor Clemson University
Psychology, General	$32,146	$31,121	3% favor Clemson University
Biology, General	$31,481	$32,314	3% favor University of South Carolina Aiken
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing	$74,206	$72,714	2% favor Clemson University
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$87,271	$72,109	21% favor Clemson University
Mechanical Engineering	$73,220	$0	—
Industrial Engineering	$74,709	$60,091	24% favor Clemson University
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$0	$44,816	—

Quick Facts

Clemson University

Type Public

Location Clemson, SC

Setting Suburban

Students 22,778

University of South Carolina Aiken

Type Public

Location Aiken, SC

Setting Suburban

Students 2,805

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Clemson University or University of South Carolina Aiken?

Clemson University has median earnings of $58,311 and tuition of $15,554. University of South Carolina Aiken has median earnings of $39,689 and tuition of $10,760. The best choice depends on your priorities, field of study, and financial situation.

How do graduation rates compare between Clemson University and University of South Carolina Aiken?

Which school has higher earnings, Clemson University or University of South Carolina Aiken?

Explore Further

Clemson University ROI Analysis

University of South Carolina Aiken ROI Analysis