Clayton State University vs. Life University

Comparable Facts

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

Clayton State University is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (6,163 students vs. 2,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clayton State University vs. Life University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clayton State University or Life 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 Life University ($8,192 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clayton State University are 17.7% lower than at Life University ($12,226 vs. $14,850).
• Life University is 190.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clayton State University (about $9,856 more per year; $15,036.00 vs. $5,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.9% higher at Clayton State University than at Life University (about $1,496 more per year; $16,532.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clayton State University than at Life University (92% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Life University students is 19.6% larger than aid received by Clayton State University students ($11,292 vs. $9,444).

Clayton State University vs. Life University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is 60 points higher than at Clayton State University (970).
• Incoming Life University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Clayton State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 860/1078; Life University 920/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 15/19; Life University 17/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clayton State University - Test optional; Life University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clayton State University Jul 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Life University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.11) than students at Clayton State University (3.0).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Clayton State University (68.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.5% at Clayton State University vs. 42.1% at Life University.

Clayton State University vs. Life University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clayton State University and Life 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).

• Life University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Clayton State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Clayton State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $19,166 lower median loan debt than Clayton State University graduates ($8,334 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $198 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clayton State University graduates ($86 vs. $284).
• More Clayton State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (35% vs. 33%)

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.