Academic Comparison between Clemson and Duke

Clemson University and Duke University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Clemson is a four-year, public school located in Clemson, SC and Duke is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Durham, NC.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Clemson is a public and Duke is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Duke has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,758) than Clemson ($40,866).
  • It is harder to admit to Duke than Clemson.
  • Duke has a higher submitted SAT score (1,320) than Clemson (1,320).
  • Duke has higher submitted ACT score (31) than Clemson (31).
  • Clemson has more students with 29,077 students while Duke has 17,499 students.
  • Duke has a lower number of students per faculty with 5 to 1 while Clemson's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Duke has more full-time faculties with 4,280 faculties while Clemson has 1,496 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Clemson Universityvs.Duke University
Clemson, South CarolinaLocationDurham, North Carolina
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$15,554
Out-Of-State$40,866
2025 Tuition & Fees$68,758
76%% Receiving Financial Aid53%
$13,367Average Amount of Financial Aid$56,560
38.34 %Acceptance Rates5.71 %
20.69 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)58.84 %
1,320SAT Score1,540
31ACT Score35
87 %Graduation Rate97 %
9 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
93 %Retention Rate98 %
29,077Student Population17,499
1,496Number of Faculties4,280
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio5 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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