Clayton State University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Clayton State University in Morrow, GA with Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Clayton State University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 6,163 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clayton State University is located in Morrow, GA (Large Suburban setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Clayton State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clayton State University 20:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Clayton State University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clayton State University or WKU? 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 WKU ($8,192 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clayton State University are 2.8% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($12,226 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 124.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clayton State University (about $6,472 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $5,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.3% higher at WKU than at Clayton State University (about $10,468 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $16,532.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Clayton State University (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 15.6% larger than aid received by Clayton State University students ($10,921 vs. $9,444).

Clayton State University vs. WKU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clayton State University (970) is 20 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming WKU 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; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 15/19; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clayton State University - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clayton State University Jul 17, 2027; WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Clayton State University (3.0).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Clayton State University (68.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.5% at Clayton State University vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Clayton State University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Western Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Clayton State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Clayton State University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $3,250 lower median loan debt than Clayton State University graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clayton State University graduates ($250 vs. $284).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clayton State University students, three years after graduation. (47% 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.