Clayton State University vs. Columbus State

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Clayton State University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 6,163 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clayton State University is located in Morrow, GA (Large Suburban setting); Columbus State University is in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting).
• Clayton State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clayton State University 20:1; Columbus State University 16:1.

Clayton State University vs. Columbus State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clayton State University or Columbus State? 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 Columbus State ($8,192 vs. $12,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 4.1% lower than at Clayton State University ($11,720 vs. $12,226).
• Columbus State University is 13.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clayton State University (about $718 more per year; $5,898.00 vs. $5,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.5% higher at Columbus State than at Clayton State University (about $1,078 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $16,532.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clayton State University than at Columbus State University (92% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clayton State University students is 4.9% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($9,444 vs. $9,003).

Clayton State University vs. Columbus State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clayton State University (970) is 40 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Columbus State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at Clayton State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 860/1078; Columbus State University 800/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 15/19; Columbus State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clayton State University - Test optional; Columbus State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clayton State University Jul 17, 2027; Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbus State students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.07) than students at Clayton State University (3.0).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Clayton State University (68.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.5% at Clayton State University vs. 31.8% at Columbus State.

Clayton State University vs. Columbus State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Columbus State University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Clayton State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Clayton State University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Clayton State University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clayton State University graduates ($268 vs. $284).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clayton State University students, three years after graduation. (37% 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.