Clayton State University vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University

Comparable Facts

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

Clayton State University is larger than Lenoir-Rhyne University based on total student enrollment (6,163 students vs. 2,256 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clayton State University is located in Morrow, GA (Large Suburban setting); Lenoir Rhyne University is in Hickory, NC (Small City setting).
• Clayton State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lenoir Rhyne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clayton State University 20:1; Lenoir Rhyne University 15:1.

Clayton State University vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clayton State University or Lenoir-Rhyne University? 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University ($8,192 vs. $21,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clayton State University are 8.8% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($12,226 vs. $13,400).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is 515.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clayton State University (about $26,720 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $5,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 93% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Clayton State University (about $15,368 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $16,532.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at Clayton State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 148.5% larger than aid received by Clayton State University students ($23,467 vs. $9,444).

Clayton State University vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clayton State University or Lenoir-Rhyne University? 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University and Clayton State University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 860/1078.
• 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; Lenoir-Rhyne University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clayton State University Jul 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lenoir-Rhyne University students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Clayton State University (3.0).
• Lenoir-Rhyne University has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Clayton State University (68.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.5% at Clayton State University vs. 11% at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Clayton State University vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clayton State University and Lenoir-Rhyne University? 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).

• Lenoir Rhyne University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Clayton State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Lenoir Rhyne University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Clayton State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lenoir Rhyne University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Clayton State University graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clayton State University graduates ($279 vs. $284).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clayton State University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.