Clayton State University vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

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

Valdosta State University is larger than Clayton State University based on total student enrollment (10,262 students vs. 6,163 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clayton State University is located in Morrow, GA (Large Suburban setting); Valdosta State University is in Valdosta, GA (Small City setting).
• Clayton State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Valdosta State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clayton State University 20:1; Valdosta State University 17:1.

Clayton State University vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clayton State University or VSU? 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 VSU ($8,192 vs. $11,144).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valdosta State University are 22.1% lower than at Clayton State University ($9,530 vs. $12,226).
• Valdosta State University is 18.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clayton State University (about $944 more per year; $6,124.00 vs. $5,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.9% higher at VSU than at Clayton State University (about $1,304 more per year; $17,836.00 vs. $16,532.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valdosta State University than at Clayton State University (93% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valdosta State University students is 8.1% larger than aid received by Clayton State University students ($10,206 vs. $9,444).

Clayton State University vs. VSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valdosta State University (1010) is 40 points higher than at Clayton State University (970).
• Incoming VSU 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; Valdosta State University 920/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 15/19; Valdosta State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clayton State University - Test optional; VSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clayton State University Jul 17, 2027; VSU Jun 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VSU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.23) than students at Clayton State University (3.0).
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (72.3%) than Clayton State University (68.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.5% at Clayton State University vs. 26% at VSU.

Clayton State University vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Valdosta State University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Clayton State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Clayton State University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Valdosta State University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Clayton State University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, VSU graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clayton State University graduates ($258 vs. $284).
• More VSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clayton State University students, three years after graduation. (41% 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.