Trying to help my DD decide between Clemson and Auburn. Visited both twice (once before admission, and again earlier this month). We are OOS so couldn’t make any admitted student days, and both schools are so similar in many ways - size, small town location, cost). She will major in Biology probably (hoping to end up at Physical Therapy school after graduation) and keeps going back and forth and can’t seem to decide! Any thoughts on these schools, or important differences we have maybe missed? Any help is appreciated!!
Is money an issue at all? Have you received the financial aid award letters from both schools? Which one would require you to take out less in loans? This might be something helpful to factor in.
Cost for us will be very close between the two, and thankfully she won’t need to take out any loans.
Anyone?
Auburn
Alumni network
Clemson, not sure it is even close…
Auburn, not sure it is even close…
If you believe in the US News college rankings, then it is not close. Clemson is #67 and Auburn is #103. With respect to biology programs, however Auburn is ranked #112 and Clemson is #140.
Clemson has a better overall reputation, but this seems more like a personal choice, especially graduate school comes later. I would default to the stronger overall university and choose Clemson, everything else being equal.
I’m in TN and Clemson is drawing students from this area with much higher academics than Auburn is and probably b/c of the merit money being offered. 3 of the top 10 students from our HS are looking at Clemson. All are in Clemson’s honors program (I know nothing about it) None are considering Auburn. Also another classmate who was looking at AU decided against it b/c in JANUARY they had no more housing to offer incoming freshmen! So kids have to find their own off campus housing & roommates…in JANUARY! Most kids haven’t received most college decisions in Jan. This put a really bad taste in their mouth b/c it seems they were only interested in kids who committed to AU in early action and not going after kids who are applying to more competitive schools. Classmate eliminated AU after that visit and will be attending Bama’s or SC’s Honors Colleges. But our very good ADULT friends who are AU grads absolutely loved it and have almost cult like dedication to the school?
Great to hear all the perspectives - thanks all!
Clemson can seem too isolated… I visited auburn probably 25 times last year…probably more. Tons of very good restaurants.
Clemson. Very friendly campus. Strong academics. Good relationship with MUSC which has a great PT program. They also have shuttles that can take students into Greenville. Lots of growth around Clemson. Great location. Can be at the mountains in an HR and the beach in three. Great alumni network .