Clemson University is harder to get into (38% vs 44% admitted), but students with aid paid less there on average (in-state): $18,314 vs $22,032 a year. For fall 2027, Clemson University doesn't need the SAT or ACT; University of Tennessee needs the SAT or ACT. Clemson University is due first, on Jan 1.
Highlighted = the better number: lower price or debt, higher rate or pay.
Sticker price per year (in-state at public colleges)
$35,250
$35,064
Average paid after grants (in-state at public colleges)
$22,032
$18,314
Average paid from out of state, estimated
$48,556
$37,758
What in-state families with aid paid, by income
Measure
Clemson University
University of Tennessee
Under $30,000
$14,943
$9,626
$30,000–$48,000
$14,638
$11,690
$48,000–$75,000
$16,669
$17,499
$75,000–$110,000
$22,127
$22,708
Over $110,000
$27,922
$26,651
After you start
Measure
Clemson University
University of Tennessee
Undergrads
23,300
30,418
Graduate within 6 years
88%
74%
Come back for year two
94%
92%
Median earnings 10 years after starting
$79,064
$65,090
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$18,750
Highlighted only when the gap is at least 5%. "Average paid" is what students who got federal aid paid per year after grants, not a price quote; at public colleges the income rows are in-state students. The out-of-state estimate adds a public college's extra out-of-state tuition to its in-state average; out-of-state students usually get less aid, so many pay more. How we get our numbers