Clemson University vs Kent State

Clemson University and Kent State University at Kent are two distinct institutions of higher learning with unique characteristics and offerings. Clemson University, located in South Carolina, boasts a lower acceptance rate of 48% compared to Kent State University's 85%. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with Clemson specializing in engineering, agriculture, and business, while Kent State excels in nursing, education, and business. The student body demographics also differ, with Clemson having a larger undergraduate population and a higher percentage of male students, while Kent State has a more balanced gender ratio. In terms of graduation rates, Clemson has a slightly higher four-year graduation rate of 68% compared to Kent State's 62%. To help you make an informed decision about your academic journey, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these aspects and more. Explore the table to discover which university aligns best with your aspirations and goals.
Clemson University logo

Clemson University

Kent State University at Kent logo

Kent State University at Kent

Overview

Location Clemson, South Carolina Kent, Ohio
Campus setting Suburb: Large Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 94.0% 81.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 49.2% 87.3%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $70

Graduate: $80
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $45
SAT range 1220 - 1420 1000 - 1210
ACT range 27 - 32 19 - 25
Students submitting SAT score 40.0% 18.0%
Students submitting ACT score 30.0% 66.0%
Total number of applicants 47,007 19,881
Total number of admissions given out 23,138 17,359
Admitted students who chose to enroll 4,593 4,050
Yield rate 19.9% 23.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $34,164

Out of state: $57,156
In state: $27,954

Out of state: $36,830
Average net price $23,732 $18,947
Tuition
In state: $14,118

Out of state: $37,110
In state: $11,774

Out of state: $20,650
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $7,808

Meal plan: $4,426
Room/dormitory: $8,417

Meal plan: $5,666
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

81.0%
Average amount $9,699
91.0%
Average amount $8,401
Students receiving federal student loan 41.0%
Average amount $5,281
56.0%
Average amount $5,405
Students taking out private loans 9.0%
Average amount $21,664
10.0%
Average amount $13,210

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 21,653
Men 48.8% Women 51.2%
21,133
Men 37.7% Women 62.3%
Graduate students 5,688
Men 46.8% Women 53.2%
5,464
Men 33.3% Women 66.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 48.4% 19.7%
International students 4.8% 5.2%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Large Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 7,800 5,674
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from South Carolina North Carolina Georgia New Jersey New York Ohio Pennsylvania New York Illinois Michigan

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Agriculture
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Communication and Journalism
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 19:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 85.5% 67.7%
Dropout rate 2.3% 9.4%
Transferred out 11.3% 21.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $78,776
  • Year 2: $90,762
  • Year 3: $98,373
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,762
  • Year 2: $69,079
  • Year 3: $82,921
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,898
  • Year 2: $74,262
  • Year 3: $80,104
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,368
  • Year 2: $74,721
  • Year 3: $78,362
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,182
  • Year 2: $68,592
  • Year 3: $76,236
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,048
  • Year 2: $64,493
  • Year 3: $76,070
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,632
  • Year 2: $67,995
  • Year 3: $74,017
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,398
  • Year 2: $66,673
  • Year 3: $73,905
Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,136
  • Year 2: $66,206
  • Year 3: $73,720
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,228
  • Year 2: $67,101
  • Year 3: $73,643
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,715
  • Year 2: $89,685
  • Year 3: $100,554
Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $75,015
  • Year 2: $72,734
  • Year 3: $77,710
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,597
  • Year 2: $73,635
  • Year 3: $77,296
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,552
  • Year 2: $64,493
  • Year 3: $75,264
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,262
  • Year 2: $53,358
  • Year 3: $66,878
Computer Systems Analysis (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,914
  • Year 2: $53,358
  • Year 3: $65,790
Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,436
  • Year 2: $57,619
  • Year 3: $65,215
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $55,674
  • Year 2: $53,108
  • Year 3: $65,118
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,124
  • Year 2: $49,019
  • Year 3: $63,596
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,648
  • Year 2: $58,673
  • Year 3: $63,476

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Clemson University and Kent State University at Kent?

    Clemson University, located in South Carolina, is a large, public, land-grant research university known for its strong engineering, agriculture, and business programs. It has a more selective admissions process and a stronger emphasis on athletics, particularly football. Kent State University, located in Ohio, is also a large, public research university, but it's known for its programs in journalism, fashion, and education. Kent State generally has a higher acceptance rate and a broader range of undergraduate programs.

  • Which university is more selective in its admissions process: Clemson or Kent State?

    Clemson University is generally more selective than Kent State University. Clemson typically requires higher standardized test scores and a stronger academic record for admission.

  • How do the academic reputations of Clemson and Kent State compare?

    Both Clemson and Kent State are respected public universities. Clemson is particularly well-regarded for its engineering, agriculture, and business programs, often ranking highly nationally in these fields. Kent State is known for its journalism, fashion, and education programs. The best choice depends on your specific academic interests.

  • What is the campus environment like at Clemson versus Kent State?

    Clemson has a more traditional, spirited college town atmosphere, deeply rooted in its athletic traditions. It's located in a smaller, more rural setting. Kent State offers a more diverse and urban campus environment, with closer proximity to larger cities and a wider range of cultural activities. Kent State's campus is more integrated into the city of Kent.

  • Which university is better known for its athletic programs?

    Clemson University is significantly more well-known for its athletic programs, particularly its football team, which has achieved national prominence. While Kent State has a range of athletic programs, they don't have the same national recognition as Clemson's.

  • What are the tuition and fees like at Clemson compared to Kent State?

    Tuition and fees vary depending on residency (in-state vs. out-of-state). Generally, Kent State tends to be slightly less expensive than Clemson, especially for out-of-state students. However, it's crucial to check the most current figures on each university's website for the most accurate information.

  • What types of financial aid and scholarships are available at each university?

    Both Clemson and Kent State offer a variety of financial aid options, including federal grants, state grants, university-specific scholarships, and external scholarships. The availability and amount of aid depend on your financial need and academic merit. Check each university's financial aid website for specific details and application requirements.

  • What are the popular majors at Clemson and Kent State?

    Popular majors at Clemson include engineering (especially mechanical, electrical, and industrial), business administration, and biological sciences. At Kent State, popular majors include nursing, business management, marketing, education, and fashion merchandising.

  • How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between the two universities?

    Both Clemson and Kent State offer career services to help students find internships and jobs after graduation. Clemson's strong industry connections in the Southeast provide opportunities in engineering, manufacturing, and technology. Kent State's location and programs offer opportunities in journalism, fashion, and education, particularly in the Midwest region. Both universities have active career centers that host career fairs and provide resume and interview assistance.

  • What is the student life like at Clemson versus Kent State?

    Clemson has a strong sense of community and school spirit, with a focus on athletics and traditional college activities. Kent State offers a more diverse range of student organizations and activities, reflecting its more urban and diverse student body. Both universities offer a variety of clubs, organizations, and events to cater to different interests.

  • Where are Clemson and Kent State located, and how does that affect the student experience?

    Clemson is located in Clemson, South Carolina, a smaller college town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This provides a more focused campus environment. Kent State is located in Kent, Ohio, a city with a more urban feel and closer proximity to larger metropolitan areas like Cleveland and Akron. This offers students more access to cultural events, internships, and job opportunities.

  • Do Clemson and Kent State have strong alumni networks?

    Yes, both Clemson and Kent State have active and supportive alumni networks. These networks can be valuable resources for students seeking internships, jobs, and mentorship opportunities after graduation. Clemson's alumni network is particularly strong in the Southeast, while Kent State's network is more concentrated in the Midwest.

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