Clayton State University vs. Union Commonwealth University

Comparable Facts

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

Clayton State University is larger than Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (6,163 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clayton State University is located in Morrow, GA (Large Suburban setting); Union Commonwealth University is in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Clayton State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clayton State University 20:1; Union Commonwealth University 14:1.

Clayton State University vs. Union Commonwealth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clayton State University or Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University ($8,192 vs. $17,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 32.4% lower than at Clayton State University ($8,261 vs. $12,226).
• Union Commonwealth University is 497.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clayton State University (about $25,766 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $5,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 87.2% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Clayton State University (about $14,414 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $16,532.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Clayton State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 185.5% larger than aid received by Clayton State University students ($26,961 vs. $9,444).

Clayton State University vs. Union Commonwealth University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union Commonwealth University (1010) is 40 points higher than at Clayton State University (970).
• Incoming Clayton State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 17) as students at Union Commonwealth University (17).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 860/1078; Union Commonwealth University 920/1105.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 15/19; Union Commonwealth University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clayton State University - Test optional; Union Commonwealth University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clayton State University Jul 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Union Commonwealth University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.15) than students at Clayton State University (3.0).
• Clayton State University has a higher acceptance rate (68.4%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.5% at Clayton State University vs. 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University.

Clayton State University vs. Union Commonwealth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clayton State University and Union Commonwealth 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).

• Union Commonwealth University's six-year graduation rate (32%) is higher than Clayton State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Clayton State University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Clayton State University graduates ($24,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clayton State University graduates ($248 vs. $284).
• More Union Commonwealth University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clayton State University students, three years after graduation. (42% 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.