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Clemson University vs Wofford College: which has better ROI?

Public, Clemson SC · vs · Private nonprofit, Spartanburg SC

The verdict

Wofford College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $74,928 in 3.6 years versus 3.8 years at Clemson University, on median earnings of $68,964 vs $71,513 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureClemson UniversityWofford College
Net price / yr$22,253$18,732
Total net cost$89,012$74,928
Median earnings, 10 yrs$71,513$68,964
Median debt$21,500$25,732
Payback3.8 yrs3.6 yrs
20-year net return$374,048$337,152

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Clemson University or Wofford College?

Wofford College, at $18,732 a year after aid versus $22,253 — a gap of $3,521 a year, or $14,084 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Clemson University or Wofford College graduates earn more?

Clemson University graduates report a median $71,513 ten years after entry, $2,549 more than the $68,964 at Wofford College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Clemson University or Wofford College?

Clemson University: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $25,732 at Wofford College, a difference of $4,232. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

87% of students finish at Clemson University, against 84% at Wofford College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Clemson University vs Wofford College: frequently asked questions

Is Clemson University or Wofford College a better value?
Wofford College. It clears its $74,928 net cost in about 3.6 years versus 3.8 years at Clemson University, on median earnings of $68,964 vs $71,513 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Clemson University or Wofford College?
Wofford College: $18,732/yr net price after aid versus $22,253/yr at Clemson University — a difference of $3,521 a year, or about $14,084 over four years.
Do Clemson University or Wofford College graduates earn more?
Clemson University graduates earn a median $71,513 ten years after entry, versus $68,964 at Wofford College — a $2,549 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.