Clayton State University vs. CSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Clayton State University in Morrow, GA with Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clayton State University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (6,163 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clayton State University is located in Morrow, GA (Large Suburban setting); Charleston Southern University is in Charleston, SC (Small City setting).
• Clayton State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clayton State University 20:1; Charleston Southern University 12:1.

Clayton State University vs. CSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clayton State University or CSU? 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 CSU ($8,192 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 0.2% lower than at Clayton State University ($12,200 vs. $12,226).
• Charleston Southern University is 527.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clayton State University (about $27,340 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $5,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 96.7% higher at CSU than at Clayton State University (about $15,988 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $16,532.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at Clayton State University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 146.1% larger than aid received by Clayton State University students ($23,240 vs. $9,444).

Clayton State University vs. CSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clayton State University or CSU? 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 CSU and Clayton State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is 80 points higher than at Clayton State University (970).
• Incoming CSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at Clayton State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 860/1078; Charleston Southern University 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 15/19; Charleston Southern University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clayton State University - Test optional; CSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clayton State University Jul 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Clayton State University (3.0).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Clayton State University (68.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.5% at Clayton State University vs. 17.7% at CSU.

Clayton State University vs. CSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clayton State University and CSU? 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).

• Charleston Southern University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Clayton State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Clayton State University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Charleston Southern University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Clayton State University graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clayton State University graduates ($279 vs. $284).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clayton State University students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 35%)

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.