Clayton State University

  • 3/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Morrow, GA
  • 5.0 1 review
#9 Best Public Universities in Georgia

Overview

Total enrollment

6,163
Clayton State University overview
Clayton State University overview
  • Size Mid-size
  • Status Non-profit
  • 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

Clayton State University is rated within the lower 22% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 3 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    3 out of 10
  • Academics
    3 out of 10
  • Resources
    3 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    3 out of 10
  • Value
    2 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Extremely Easy
Clayton State University admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 860/1078
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 15/19
  • GPA 3.0

Acceptance Rate

68.4%
Clayton State University applications overview
  • Applications Due Jul 17, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 40.5%
  • Application Fee $40

Applicant Competition Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Georgia Resident Tuition

$5,180

Out of State Resident Tuition

$16,532

Breakdown

In State Costs for Clayton State University
  • Tuition $5,180
  • Books and Supplies $1,250
  • Other Fees $1,004
  • Room and Board $12,226
  • Budget for Other Expenses $3,934
  • Total One Year Cost $23,594

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$41,800 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

27% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Clayton State University are Health Professions, Business, and Liberal Arts and Humanities. 23% of students major in Health Professions, 20% in Business, and 16% in Liberal Arts and Humanities.

  • Health Professions 23%
  • Business 20%
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities 16%
  • Psychology 11%
  • Computer and Information Sciences 6%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering Clayton State University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=139311.

GPA calculator: Clayton State University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026