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Head to head · South Carolina

Clemson University vs College of Charleston

College of Charleston costs less than Clemson University at every income band federal data covers — between $703 and $4,744 less per year, depending on what you earn.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeClemson UniversityCollege of CharlestonDifference
Under $30k$13,607$12,133$1,474 · College of Charleston
$30–48k$14,109$13,406$703 · College of Charleston
$48–75k$18,851$16,797$2,054 · College of Charleston
$75–110k$24,833$20,089$4,744 · College of Charleston
Over $110k$27,922$24,996$2,926 · College of Charleston

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

Clemson University$104,671
College of Charleston$84,675
Difference over four years$19,996

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate38% · 60%
Average SAT1353 · 1247

Listed Clemson University first, then College of Charleston. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$71,513 · $56,416
Graduate in four years68% · 57%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$21,500 · $23,250

Again Clemson University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

Clemson University — every income band · College of Charleston — every income band · All South Carolina public colleges