College comparison

Clemson vs Purdue

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	Clemson Clemson, SC	Purdue West Lafayette, IN
Acceptance rateClemson University is more selective	38%	50%
SAT (25–75)	1240–1410	1200–1480
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	23,300	44,503
Avg net price	$22,253	$14,600
Median earnings (10 yr)Purdue reports higher median earnings	$71,513	$72,424
Graduation rate	87%	83%
Median debt	$21,500	$19,500
Economic mobility	1.2%	—
Test policy	—	—
Type	Public	Public

Quick answers

Is Clemson University or Purdue University-Main Campus harder to get into?

Clemson University is more selective: Clemson University's acceptance rate is approximately 38% and Purdue University-Main Campus's is approximately 50% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Clemson University vs Purdue University-Main Campus?

The middle-50% SAT range is 1240–1410 at Clemson University and 1200–1480 at Purdue University-Main Campus. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.