Head to head · South Carolina
Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At under $30k and below, University of South Carolina-Columbia is the cheaper of the two; from $30–48k up, Clemson University is. Sticker price shows none of this.
| Household income | Clemson University | University of South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $30k | $13,607 | $12,634 | $973 |
| $30–48k | $14,109 | $14,953 | $844 |
| $48–75k | $18,851 | $19,859 | $1,008 |
| $75–110k | $24,833 | $24,478 | $355 |
| Over $110k | $27,922 | $28,125 | $203 |
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.
Early Decision: when the binding bet is worth it →
Why three likely admits is the floor for a safe season →
Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.
Listed Clemson University first, then University of South Carolina. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.
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.
Clemson University — every income band · University of South Carolina-Columbia — every income band · All South Carolina public colleges