Clayton State University vs. GSU

Comparable Facts

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

Clayton State University is larger than GSU based on total student enrollment (6,163 students vs. 4,397 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clayton State University is located in Morrow, GA (Large Suburban setting); Governors State University is in University Park, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Clayton State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Governors State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clayton State University 20:1; Governors State University 11:1.

Clayton State University vs. GSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clayton State University or GSU? 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 GSU ($8,192 vs. $12,756).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Governors State University are 4% lower than at Clayton State University ($11,736 vs. $12,226).
• Governors State University is 131.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clayton State University (about $6,824 more per year; $12,004.00 vs. $5,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.7% higher at Clayton State University than at Governors State University (about $4,528 more per year; $16,532.00 vs. $12,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clayton State University than at Governors State University (92% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Governors State University students is 21.3% larger than aid received by Clayton State University students ($11,455 vs. $9,444).

Clayton State University vs. GSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clayton State University (970) is 20 points higher than at GSU (950).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 860/1078; Governors State University 830/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clayton State University - Test optional; GSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clayton State University Jul 17, 2027; GSU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GSU students have a 1 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Clayton State University (3.0).
• Clayton State University has a higher acceptance rate (68.4%) than GSU (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.5% at Clayton State University vs. 16.8% at GSU.

Clayton State University vs. GSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Graduates from Governors State University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Clayton State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Governors State University graduates have a $10,250 lower median loan debt than Clayton State University graduates ($17,250 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, GSU graduates have an estimated $106 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clayton State University graduates ($178 vs. $284).
• More GSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clayton State University students, three years after graduation. (48% 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.