Comparing and contrasting higher education institutions can be a challenging task, especially when the schools are as reputable as the University of Georgia and Clemson University. This comprehensive comparison is designed to help prospective students and their families better understand the key differences and similarities between the two institutions. By examining factors such as cost, tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes, we hope to provide a thorough understanding of what each school offers to support students in making an informed decision.
University of Georgia Overview
The University of Georgia (UGA) is a public research university located in Athens, Georgia. Established in 1785, it is the oldest and one of the largest universities in the state. UGA offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs through its 17 schools and colleges, encompassing fields such as arts, sciences, business, and law.
University of Georgia Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for in-state students at the University of Georgia for the 2021-2022 academic year is $28,352, which includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, and other expenses. For out-of-state students, the estimated cost of attendance is $49,112. UGA offers several financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans to help students cover the cost of attendance.
University of Georgia Admissions
Admission to the University of Georgia is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 48.6% in 2020. Prospective students are evaluated based on their academic achievements, test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. The incoming freshman class had an average high school GPA of 4.0, and 75% of accepted students scored between 1240-1410 on the SAT.
University of Georgia Degrees Offered
The University of Georgia offers over 170 undergraduate majors and 200 graduate programs across its 17 schools and colleges. Some of the most popular majors at UGA include business, journalism, biology, psychology, and political science. The university also offers a wide range of graduate and professional degrees, including law, pharmacy, education, and public health.
University of Georgia Academics
UGA is known for its strong academic programs and emphasis on research. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention from their professors. Additionally, 37% of classes at UGA have fewer than 20 students, allowing for more opportunities for discussion and engagement in the classroom.
University of Georgia Diversity
The University of Georgia is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse campus environment. In Fall 2020, 58% of the student body was female and 42% male, while 68% were White, 9% Black or African American, 8% Asian, 7% Hispanic, and 8% of other or unknown races/ethnicities. UGA has numerous programs and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion, such as the Office of Institutional Diversity and the President’s Task Force on Race, Ethnicity, and Community.
University of Georgia Students
UGA has a total enrollment of around 39,000 students, with approximately 29,500 undergraduate and 9,500 graduate students. The university offers a vibrant student life, with over 700 student organizations and clubs, Greek life, and a variety of intramural and club sports. Students can also enjoy the many cultural and recreational opportunities in the city of Athens and its surrounding areas.
University of Georgia Campus
The University of Georgia’s 762-acre main campus in Athens features a blend of historic and modern facilities, lush green spaces, and state-of-the-art amenities. Students have access to numerous libraries, research facilities, and technology resources. UGA also boasts impressive athletic facilities, including the Sanford Stadium and the Ramsey Center.
University of Georgia Alumni
UGA has a strong alumni network of over 330,000 graduates worldwide. Prominent alumni include former U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, and television journalist Deborah Roberts. The university’s alumni association offers a variety of networking events, career services, and mentoring programs to support graduates in their personal and professional endeavors.
University of Georgia Rankings
In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the University of Georgia was ranked #47 among National Universities and #17 among Public Universities. The university is also well-regarded for its graduate programs, with its College of Education ranking #35 and the Terry College of Business ranking #48 among graduate business schools.
University of Georgia Outcomes
The University of Georgia reports a 6-year graduation rate of 86%, a strong indicator of the quality of education and support provided to students. According to Payscale, the average starting salary for UGA graduates is around $54,000, with popular career paths in fields such as business, education, and healthcare.
Clemson University Overview
Clemson University is a public research university located in Clemson, South Carolina. Founded in 1889, it is the second-largest university in the state and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its seven colleges. Known for its strong emphasis on research, Clemson is particularly well-regarded in the fields of engineering, architecture, and agriculture.
Clemson University Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for in-state students at Clemson University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $31,462, which includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, and other expenses. For out-of-state students, the estimated cost of attendance is $54,662. Clemson offers a variety of financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans to help students cover the cost of attendance.
Clemson University Admissions
Admission to Clemson University is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 51% in 2020. Prospective students are evaluated based on factors such as academic achievements, test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. The incoming freshman class had an average high school GPA of 4.18, and 75% of accepted students scored between 1230-1390 on the SAT.
Clemson University Degrees Offered
Clemson University offers over 80 undergraduate majors and 120 graduate programs across its seven colleges. Some of the most popular majors at Clemson include engineering, business, health professions, agriculture, and natural resources and conservation. The university also offers a range of graduate and professional degrees, including architecture, automotive engineering, and education.
Clemson University Academics
Clemson University has a strong commitment to academic excellence and research. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, and 38% of its classes have fewer than 20 students. This allows for more personalized attention from professors and encourages active engagement in the classroom.
Clemson University Diversity
Clemson University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. In Fall 2020, 54% of the student body was male and 46% female, while 78% were White, 6% Black or African American, 3% Asian, and 5% Hispanic. Clemson has various initiatives and programs designed to support a diverse campus community, including the Office of Inclusion and Equity and the Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center.
Clemson University Students
Clemson has a total enrollment of around 26,000 students, with approximately 20,200 undergraduate and 5,800 graduate students. The university offers a vibrant student life, with over 500 student organizations and clubs, Greek life, and a variety of intramural and club sports. Students can also take advantage of the outdoor recreational opportunities in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and Lake Hartwell.
Clemson University Campus
Clemson University’s 1,400-acre main campus features a mix of historic buildings, modern facilities, and scenic outdoor spaces. Students have access to a variety of resources, including libraries, research centers, and state-of-the-art technology. Clemson’s athletic facilities, such as the Frank Howard Field at Clemson Memorial Stadium, are also noteworthy.
Clemson University Alumni
Clemson University has a strong alumni network of over 165,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include former U.S. Senator and Governor of South Carolina Strom Thurmond, former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Larry D. Thompson, and NFL player DeAndre Hopkins. The Clemson Alumni Association provides networking events, career services, and mentoring programs to support graduates in their personal and professional endeavors.
Clemson University Rankings
In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Clemson University was ranked #74 among National Universities and #23 among Public Universities. Clemson is also recognized for its graduate programs, with its College of Engineering ranking #63 and the College of Business ranking #70 among graduate business schools.
Clemson University Outcomes
Clemson University reports a 6-year graduation rate of 83%, indicating a high level of support for student success. According to Payscale, the average starting salary for Clemson graduates is around $57,000, with popular career paths in fields such as engineering, business, and healthcare.
University of Georgia vs Clemson University Cost Comparison
The cost of attendance at the University of Georgia and Clemson University varies depending on whether a student is in-state or out-of-state. For in-state students, UGA has a slightly lower estimated cost of attendance at $28,352 compared to Clemson’s $31,462. For out-of-state students, UGA’s estimated cost of attendance is $49,112, while Clemson’s is $54,662. Both universities offer financial aid options to help students cover the cost of attendance, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans.
University of Georgia vs Clemson University Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both the University of Georgia and Clemson University are competitive. In 2020, UGA had an acceptance rate of 48.6%, while Clemson’s acceptance rate was 51%. Both universities evaluate applicants based on factors such as academic achievements, test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. The average high school GPA and SAT scores for incoming freshmen at both institutions are similar, with UGA reporting a slightly higher average GPA at 4.0 compared to Clemson’s 4.18, and SAT scores falling within a similar range (1240-1410 for UGA and 1230-1390 for Clemson).
University of Georgia vs Clemson University Academic Difficulty
Both the University of Georgia and Clemson University are known for their strong academic programs and research. The student-faculty ratios at both institutions are similar, with UGA at 17:1 and Clemson at 16:1. Additionally, both universities have a significant percentage of classes with fewer than 20 students, allowing for more personalized attention from professors and more opportunities for discussion and engagement in the classroom.
University of Georgia vs Clemson University Outcome Comparison
The 6-year graduation rates at the University of Georgia and Clemson University are relatively close, with UGA reporting an 86% graduation rate and Clemson reporting an 83% graduation rate. This indicates that both institutions provide a high level of support for student success. According to Payscale, the average starting salary for graduates from both schools is also similar, with UGA graduates earning around $54,000 and Clemson graduates earning around $57,000. Popular career paths for graduates from both universities include fields such as business, engineering, education, and healthcare.
