Clemson University vs Furman University
Clemson University is selective with a 38.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Furman University (52.6%). Graduates of Clemson University earn $2,878 more per year at the 10-year mark ($71,513 vs $68,635). For families earning $48k–$75k, Clemson University is more affordable at $19,988 net price vs $24,978. Students at Clemson University graduate with less debt ($21,500 vs $23,250).
Admissions & Outcomes
Clemson University has a higher yield rate (19.6%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Furman University has a higher median SAT (1350 vs 1320).
Clemson, SC
Greenville, 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 — $27,348 vs $37,271.
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. Clemson University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (15%), 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.
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
Furman University
- 1 Economics$57,318
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations$47,260
- 3 Accounting and Related Services$42,682
- 4 Communication and Media Studies$40,140
- 5 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics$37,568
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.
Clemson University
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Marketing
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Biology, General
- 5 Finance and Financial Management Services
Furman University
- 1 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- 2 Political Science and Government
- 3 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 4 Psychology, General
- 5 Biology, General
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.
Clemson University
- International students6%
- Tuition (international)$37,110
- Est. total cost/year$50,760
- School typePublic
Furman University
- International students5%
- Tuition (international)$51,712
- Est. total cost/year$65,454
- 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Clemson University or Furman University?
Clemson University is more selective with a 38.0% acceptance rate, compared to 52.6%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Clemson University or Furman University?
Clemson University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $71,513 compared to $68,635. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Clemson University or Furman University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Clemson University has a lower net price at $19,988 per year vs $24,978. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Clemson University vs Furman University?
Clemson University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 87.9%, compared to 81.5%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Clemson University or Furman 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 Clemson University and Furman University?
At Clemson University, Chemical Engineering graduates earn a median of $74,721 within two years. At Furman University, the top-earning major is Economics at $57,318. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.