Clayton State University vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

Compare Clayton State University in Morrow, GA with Bethel University in McKenzie, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clayton State University is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (6,163 students vs. 2,936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clayton State University is located in Morrow, GA (Large Suburban setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Clayton State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clayton State University 20:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Clayton State University vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clayton State University or Bethel? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Clayton State University than Bethel ($8,192 vs. $13,112).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 13.8% lower than at Clayton State University ($10,538 vs. $12,226).
• Bethel University is 261.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clayton State University (about $13,532 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $5,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.2% higher at Bethel than at Clayton State University (about $2,180 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $16,532.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Clayton State University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 87.4% larger than aid received by Clayton State University students ($17,700 vs. $9,444).

Clayton State University vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clayton State University or Bethel? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bethel and Clayton State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (980) is 10 points higher than at Clayton State University (970).
• Incoming Bethel students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Clayton State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 860/1078; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 15/19; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clayton State University - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clayton State University Jul 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.6 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Clayton State University (3.0).
• Clayton State University has a higher acceptance rate (68.4%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.5% at Clayton State University vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Clayton State University vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clayton State University and Bethel? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate (32%) is higher than Clayton State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Clayton State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clayton State University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($27,500 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Clayton State University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($284 vs. $292).
• More Clayton State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (35% vs. 33%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.