Clayton State University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

Clayton State University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (6,163 students vs. 6,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clayton State University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clayton State University or NSU? 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 NSU ($8,192 vs. $9,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 5.2% lower than at Clayton State University ($11,591 vs. $12,226).
• Norfolk State University is 96.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clayton State University (about $5,000 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $5,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.2% higher at NSU than at Clayton State University (about $5,150 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $16,532.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clayton State University than at Norfolk State University (92% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 59.4% larger than aid received by Clayton State University students ($15,056 vs. $9,444).

Clayton State University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clayton State University (970) is 40 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming NSU 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; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 15/19; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clayton State University - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clayton State University Jul 17, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clayton State University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.0) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Clayton State University (68.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.5% at Clayton State University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Clayton State University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Norfolk State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Clayton State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Clayton State University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clayton State University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($27,500 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Clayton State University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($284 vs. $320).
• More Clayton State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (35% vs. 27%)

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.