Clayton State University
Clayton State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Clayton State University at a Glance
Clayton State University is a public university in Morrow, Georgia, United States. It serves Metro Atlanta and is part of the University System of Georgia.
1969
57 years old
6,406
5,726 undergrad · 644 grad
5,836
Identity
How to Apply to Clayton State University
Official admissions page$40
Fee waiver available
Testing policy
Fee waiver
Is Clayton State University Worth It?
Clayton State University offers moderate value at $8,365/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $49,179, which is 9% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 38% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $25,706 representing 52% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
How Clayton State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in GA
Ranked #25 of 125 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | CUNY York College | 100 | $4,456 | $56,945 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #25 | Clayton State University | 55 | $8,365 | $49,179 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Clayton State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in GA.
Best Programs at Clayton State University
The highest-earning program at Clayton State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $64,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $22,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Clayton State University earns $64,000, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $22,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $25,196 in median debt vs. $28,940 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $8,365/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $64,000 | $64,000 | $25,196 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | $50,700 | $50,700 | $21,691 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $44,800 | $44,800 | $24,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $36,900 | $36,900 | $31,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $36,100 | $36,100 | $31,250 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $31,800 | $31,800 | $28,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $30,900 | $30,900 | $27,792 |
| Biology, General | $30,800 | $30,800 | $28,062 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $30,800 | $30,800 | $31,250 |
| Legal Support Services | $29,900 | $29,900 | $44,938 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $29,300 | $29,300 | $31,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | $28,800 | $28,800 | $27,281 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $26,800 | $26,800 | $27,250 |
| Marketing | $25,200 | $25,200 | $24,594 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $22,500 | $22,500 | $28,940 |
Similar Colleges in GA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Morrow, GA
- Student Body
- 4,348 students
- Admission Rate
- 68%
- Graduation Rate
- 38%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $8,365
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,179
- Median Student Debt
- $25,706