Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Morrow, Georgia |
| Online | clayton.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Clayton State University, located in Morrow, Georgia, sits on 192 wooded acres approximately 15 miles south of downtown Atlanta. The campus features modern academic buildings surrounding a series of lakes, with its main structure, James M. Baker University Center, serving as the campus hub. Founded in 1969 as Clayton Junior College, the institution achieved university status in 1996 and now offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through five distinct colleges. The university maintains a selective admission process and is known for its programs in nursing, business administration, and healthcare management. Clayton State operates primarily as a commuter campus, though it does provide student housing options in Laker Hall and Clayton Station Apartments, accommodating approximately 1,100 residential students.
Clayton State University is designated as a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) and receives federal grants supporting the school's efforts to serve low and middle-income Black Americans.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Clayton State University is rated within the lower 26% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 3 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Clayton State University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#988 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#413 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#25 in Best Colleges in Georgia
#9 in Best Public Colleges in Georgia
#31 in Best Value Colleges in Georgia
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 890/1090 |
| ACT | 16/22 |
| GPA | 3.0 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jul 17, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Average |
| Application Fee | $40 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Georgia Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $2,074 |
| Other Fees | $1,004 |
| Room and Board | $10,980 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,565 |
| Total One Year Cost | $20,687 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $2,074 |
| Other Fees | $1,004 |
| Room and Board | $10,980 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,565 |
| Total One Year Cost | $31,409 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Health Professions | 23% |
| Business | 20% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 16% |
| Psychology | 11% |
| Computer and Information Sciences | 6% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Clayton State University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=139311 IPEDS survey data for Clayton State University.
Current students may use the Clayton State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024