Clemson University vs The University of Alabama (UA)
Clemson University and The University of Alabama, both renowned for their academic excellence and vibrant college life, offer distinct experiences to prospective students. Clemson, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, boasts a lower acceptance rate and a higher graduation rate compared to Alabama. With a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, Clemson attracts students seeking a strong foundation in these disciplines. In contrast, Alabama, located in the heart of Tuscaloosa, offers a more diverse range of undergraduate programs, including strong liberal arts and business offerings. Its larger student body creates a lively and energetic campus atmosphere. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about the unique strengths and characteristics of each university, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Clemson University |
![]() The University of Alabama |
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Overview |
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Location | Clemson, South Carolina | Tuscaloosa, Alabama |
Campus setting | Suburb: Large | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 94.0% | 89.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 49.2% | 78.9% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$70
Graduate:
$80
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Undergraduate:
$40
Graduate:
$65
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SAT range | 1220 - 1420 | 1070 - 1370 |
ACT range | 27 - 32 | 21 - 31 |
Students submitting SAT score | 40.0% | 17.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 30.0% | 63.0% |
Total number of applicants | 47,007 | 42,421 |
Total number of admissions given out | 23,138 | 33,472 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 4,593 | 7,593 |
Yield rate | 19.9% | 22.7% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$34,164
Out of state:
$57,156
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In state:
$31,024
Out of state:
$50,494
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Average net price | $23,732 | $21,263 |
Tuition |
In state:
$14,118
Out of state:
$37,110
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In state:
$10,780
Out of state:
$30,250
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$7,808
Meal plan:
$4,426
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Room/dormitory:
$5,900
Meal plan:
$4,234
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
81.0%
Average amount $9,699 |
76.0%
Average amount $16,363 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
41.0%
Average amount $5,281 |
37.0%
Average amount $5,221 |
Students taking out private loans |
9.0%
Average amount $21,664 |
9.0%
Average amount $23,617 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
21,653
Men 48.8% Women 51.2% |
31,685
Men 43.5% Women 56.5% |
Graduate students |
5,688
Men 46.8% Women 53.2% |
6,631
Men 36.9% Women 63.1% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 48.4% | 62.2% |
International students | 4.8% | 3.0% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Large | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 7,800 | 9,385 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | South Carolina North Carolina Georgia New Jersey New York | Alabama Georgia Illinois Texas Tennessee |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 16:1 | 19:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 85.5% | 72.2% |
Dropout rate | 2.3% | 7.7% |
Transferred out | 11.3% | 18.8% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees)
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
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