College Comparison
UC San Diego vs Clemson University: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
UC San Diego
La Jolla, CA
School
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UC San Diego | Clemson |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 24.5%wins | 38.0% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1230–1390wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 28–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $46,042 | $39,498wins |
| Avg Net Price | $11,750wins | $22,112 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $84,943wins | $71,513 |
| Graduation Rate | 87.6% | 87.9%wins |
| Retention Rate | 93.9%wins | 92.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 16:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 33,787wins | 22,778 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC San Diego edges out Clemson on 5 of 9 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
UC San Diego Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 24.5%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $11,750
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $84,943
- ✓Retention Rate: 93.9%
Clemson Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1230–1390
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $39,498
- ✓Graduation Rate: 87.9%
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.