Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Clayton State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Arkansas University Main Campus in Magnolia, AR with Clayton State University in Morrow, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clayton State University is larger than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus based on total student enrollment (6,163 students vs. 4,732 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is located in Magnolia, AR (Remote Town setting); Clayton State University is in Morrow, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Clayton State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 16:1; Clayton State University 20:1.

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Clayton State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus or Clayton State 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus ($8,192 vs. $13,442).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus are 35.3% lower than at Clayton State University ($7,911 vs. $12,226).
• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is 92.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clayton State University (about $4,780 more per year; $9,960.00 vs. $5,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.4% higher at Clayton State University than at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (about $842 more per year; $16,532.00 vs. $15,690.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus than at Clayton State University (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students is 22.3% larger than aid received by Clayton State University students ($11,552 vs. $9,444).

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Clayton State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus or Clayton State 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 Clayton State University and Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (990) is 20 points higher than at Clayton State University (970).
• Incoming Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at Clayton State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 875/1105; Clayton State University 860/1078.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 17/24; Clayton State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus - Required; Clayton State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Aug 27, 2027; Clayton State University Jul 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Clayton State University (3.0).
• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus has a higher acceptance rate (75.3%) than Clayton State University (68.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. 40.5% at Clayton State University.

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Clayton State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Arkansas University Main Campus and Clayton State 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).

• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (34%) is higher than Clayton State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Clayton State University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates have a $10,480 lower median loan debt than Clayton State University graduates ($17,020 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates have an estimated $109 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clayton State University graduates ($175 vs. $284).
• More Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clayton State University students, three years after graduation. (44% 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.