Students at Clayton State University earn nearly $9,600 more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting one of the strongest earnings advantages among comparable public universities.
The university combines exceptional affordability with broad access, making it a valuable pathway for first-generation and low-income students seeking economic mobility.
Clayton State University ranks among Georgia's most accessible public universities, serving a diverse student body where over half receive Pell Grants and nearly 38% are first-generation college students. Located in Morrow, just south of Atlanta, this medium-sized public university has built a reputation for providing affordable education with strong support systems for students from all backgrounds. The university's affordability percentile of 78.8% places it well above average nationally for keeping costs manageable across income levels.
While Clayton State's overall earnings outcomes rank in the lower quartile nationally, the university demonstrates a remarkable ability to add value for its students. Graduates earn nearly $9,600 more than would be expected based on their backgrounds and the institution's profile, representing one of the strongest earnings beyond expectations performances among similar universities. This earnings uplift reflects the university's commitment to helping students from diverse backgrounds achieve meaningful economic progress.
The university's mobility quadrant designation as "Under-Resourced Institutions" captures both its challenges and strengths: high access for underserved populations combined with resource constraints that affect some outcomes. For students who prioritize affordability, accessibility, and personalized attention in the Atlanta region, Clayton State offers a compelling combination of low net prices, strong student support, and programs designed to launch careers in high-demand fields like nursing and business.
Clayton State University's program portfolio reflects its mission to serve the Atlanta region's workforce needs, with particular strength in healthcare and business fields that offer clear career pathways. Adult Health Nursing emerges as the standout program, combining substantial enrollment of 98 graduates with strong median earnings of $68,394, reflecting the high demand for healthcare professionals in Georgia's growing medical sector. This program represents the university's highest aggregate return, demonstrating both scale and quality in preparing nurses for the regional job market.
Business Administration and Management serves as the university's largest program with 169 graduates, offering solid career prospects with median earnings of $37,688 that provide a foundation for advancement in Atlanta's diverse business environment. The program's size reflects strong student demand and employer recognition, making it a cornerstone of Clayton State's academic offerings.
Emerging programs like Artificial Intelligence, though smaller with 29 graduates, show the university's efforts to expand into growing technology sectors with promising early-career earnings around $45,696. Even programs with more modest earnings outcomes, such as Applied Behavior Analysis at $30,771, serve important community needs and provide pathways into meaningful careers in social services and education. The program mix demonstrates Clayton State's commitment to offering both high-return professional programs and fields that serve broader social purposes.
Clayton State University graduates earn a median of $49,179 ten years after enrollment, with the strongest financial outcomes typically coming from the university's nursing and business programs. What makes Clayton State particularly noteworthy is how much better graduates perform than would be expected—they earn nearly $9,600 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add substantial value for its students. This earnings beyond expectations performance places Clayton State among the top institutions nationally for helping students exceed typical financial projections.
The university's program mix drives much of this success story. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both a high-enrollment and high-return program, with 98 graduates earning a median of $68,394 ten years out, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals in the Atlanta region. Business Administration and Management represents the largest program with 169 graduates, offering solid career prospects with median earnings of $37,688. Emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence, though smaller with 29 graduates, show promising early-career earnings around $45,696, indicating Clayton State's efforts to expand into growing technology sectors.
The university's location in the Atlanta metropolitan area provides graduates access to diverse employment opportunities across healthcare, business, and emerging technology sectors. While overall earnings rank in the lower quartile nationally, the substantial earnings beyond expectations demonstrate that Clayton State consistently helps students achieve better financial outcomes than their backgrounds might predict, making it a strong value proposition for students seeking upward economic mobility.
Clayton State University delivers exceptional affordability across all income levels, making higher education accessible to a broad range of Georgia families. Low-income students pay just $8,685 annually in net price, well below national averages, while middle-income families see costs around $11,506 per year. Even high-income families benefit from reasonable pricing at $15,948 annually, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education affordable regardless of family financial circumstances.
The university's financial aid approach emphasizes grants and scholarships that reduce upfront costs rather than loading students with excessive debt. This strategy helps explain why Clayton State ranks in the 78th percentile nationally for affordability, significantly above average for public institutions. The transparent, predictable pricing structure allows families to plan effectively for the full cost of a degree without facing unexpected financial surprises.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $25,706 and modest Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $12,000. The university's focus on keeping net prices low means students can often cover a substantial portion of their costs through aid, work, and family contributions rather than relying heavily on borrowing. This approach to affordability aligns with Clayton State's mission to serve first-generation and low-income students who need predictable, sustainable pathways to degree completion.
Clayton State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
