Clayton State University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Clayton State University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (6,163 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clayton State University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clayton State University or Columbia College? 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 Columbia College ($8,192 vs. $18,790).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 23.2% lower than at Clayton State University ($9,390 vs. $12,226).
• Columbia College is 328.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clayton State University (about $17,034 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $5,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.4% higher at Columbia College than at Clayton State University (about $5,682 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $16,532.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at Clayton State University (97% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 74.2% larger than aid received by Clayton State University students ($16,451 vs. $9,444).

Clayton State University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia College (1000) is 30 points higher than at Clayton State University (970).
• Incoming Clayton State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (17 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 860/1078; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 15/19; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clayton State University - Test optional; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clayton State University Jul 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Clayton State University (3.0).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Clayton State University (68.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.5% at Clayton State University vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

Clayton State University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Clayton State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Clayton State University earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $2,236 lower median loan debt than Clayton State University graduates ($25,264 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clayton State University graduates ($261 vs. $284).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clayton State University students, three years after graduation. (43% 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.