Universities
Universities
Last updated: June 6, 2026
Clemson University is a large public research university known for its extensive programs and national rankings, whereas Augustana College (SD) offers a smaller, private liberal arts education with a focus on personalized student experience. The choice depends heavily on whether students prioritize research opportunities and program diversity or a close-knit campus environment.
| Aspect | Clemson University | Augustana College (SD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institution Size and Enrollment | Over 26,000 students enrolled across undergraduate and graduate programs | Approximately 2,100 undergraduate students | Clemson University |
| Research and Academic Focus | Top-ranked research university with over $150 million in annual research funding | Primarily focuses on undergraduate liberal arts education with limited research funding | Clemson University |
| Campus Size and Location | 1320-acre campus in Clemson, South Carolina, with state-of-the-art facilities | 104-acre campus in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with a picturesque campus setting | Clemson University |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 18:1, allowing for more research opportunities and class interaction | About 12:1, providing highly personalized instruction | Augustana College (SD) |
| Cost and Financial Aid | In-state tuition approximately $15,000; out-of-state over $38,000; extensive scholarship opportunities | Tuition around $40,000 per year; limited in-state options due to private status | Clemson University |
Institution Size and Enrollment: Clemson's significantly larger student body provides more diverse academic and extracurricular options, making it ideal for students seeking a large campus with extensive resources.
Research and Academic Focus: Clemson's research funding and research-oriented programs offer more opportunities for students interested in STEM fields, engineering, and applied sciences.
Campus Size and Location: Clemson's expansive campus supports diverse facilities and activities, suitable for students seeking a large-campus experience.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: Augustana's lower student-to-faculty ratio favors students looking for close mentorship and smaller classes.
Cost and Financial Aid: Clemson offers more affordable options, especially for in-state students, with greater access to financial aid and scholarships.
Clemson University and Augustana College (SD) serve markedly different student profiles with distinct academic and campus environments. Clemson's enrollment exceeds 26,000 students, making it one of the larger public universities in the southeastern United States. This size translates into a broad range of programs, from engineering and computer science to business and agriculture, supported by over $150 million annually in research funding. For students prioritizing cutting-edge research opportunities, especially in STEM fields, Clemson's resources and facilities provide a clear advantage. Its 1320-acre campus in Clemson, South Carolina, offers state-of-the-art laboratories, extensive athletic facilities, and a vibrant campus life, which is an attractive factor for students seeking a dynamic, large campus environment.
In contrast, Augustana College (SD) is a private liberal arts college with approximately 2,100 undergraduates. Its focus on undergraduate education emphasizes personalized mentorship, small class sizes, and close faculty-student interactions, evidenced by a student-to-faculty ratio of about 12:1. The campus, located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, spans 104 acres and offers a more intimate setting conducive to one-on-one mentorship and community engagement. While Augustana's research funding and program scope are limited compared to Clemson, it excels in liberal arts disciplines like humanities, social sciences, and education, providing students with a well-rounded, personalized education.
Cost considerations significantly favor Clemson university for in-state students, with undergraduate tuition around $15,000, compared to Augustana's $40,000. Clemson also offers robust scholarship opportunities, making it more financially accessible. Conversely, Augustana's private status means higher sticker prices but potentially more personalized financial aid packages tailored to individual students.
In summary, Clemson University is best suited for students seeking large-scale research opportunities, diverse academic programs, and extensive campus facilities. Augustana College excels for students prioritizing personalized education, small class sizes, and a tight-knit community atmosphere. Each institution’s strengths align with different student needs and academic ambitions.
Clemson University emerges as the overall winner for students seeking extensive research opportunities, diverse program offerings, and affordability, especially within a large-campus environment. However, Augustana College (SD) is the preferred choice for students who value personalized instruction, small class sizes, and a close community, making it ideal for undergraduate students wanting a liberal arts-focused education. The final decision hinges on whether students prioritize research and program variety or personalized mentorship and a community feel.
Students interested in STEM, engineering, research funding, large campus life, and affordability for in-state students
Students seeking a liberal arts education, personalized mentorship, small class sizes, and a tight-knit campus community