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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
$30–48k$14,109$13,406$703
$48–75k$18,851$16,797$2,054
$75–110k$24,833$20,089$4,744
Over $110k$27,922$24,996$2,926

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.

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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.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. 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