Anderson University vs Clemson University
Clemson University is selective with a 38.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Anderson University (52.8%). Graduates of Clemson University earn $29,412 more per year at the 10-year mark ($71,513 vs $42,101). For families earning $48k–$75k, Clemson University is more affordable at $19,988 net price vs $28,002. Students at Clemson University graduate with less debt ($21,500 vs $26,700).
Admissions & Outcomes
Anderson University has a higher yield rate (34.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Clemson University has a higher median SAT (1320 vs 1190).
Anderson, SC
Clemson, SC
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Clemson University is more affordable at $14,212 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $35,665 vs $27,348.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Anderson University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (22%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Anderson University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$57,657
- 2 Accounting and Related Services$45,852
- 3 Human Resources Management and Services$42,682
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations$42,682
- 5 Business/Commerce, General$38,289
Clemson University
- 1 Chemical Engineering$74,721
- 2 Computer and Information Sciences, General$69,079
- 3 Industrial Engineering$68,592
- 4 Computer Engineering$67,995
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$67,101
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Anderson University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- 3 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 5 Marketing
Clemson University
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Marketing
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Biology, General
- 5 Finance and Financial Management Services
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Anderson University
- International students4%
- Tuition (international)$26,820
- Est. total cost/year$40,620
- School typePublic
Clemson University
- International students6%
- Tuition (international)$37,110
- Est. total cost/year$50,760
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
Get a Personalized College Comparison
We're building custom comparison reports with ROI analysis. Be the first to get yours.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Anderson University or Clemson University?
Clemson University is more selective with a 38.0% acceptance rate, compared to 52.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Anderson University or Clemson University?
Clemson University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $71,513 compared to $42,101. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Anderson University or Clemson University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Clemson University has a lower net price at $19,988 per year vs $28,002. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Anderson University vs Clemson University?
Clemson University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 87.9%, compared to 71.0%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Anderson University or Clemson University?
Clemson University has a larger international student population at 6% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Anderson University and Clemson University?
At Anderson University, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $57,657 within two years. At Clemson University, the top-earning major is Chemical Engineering at $74,721. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.