Clayton State University

Clayton State University offers 13 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for ranking and analysis. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #71 nationally and #2 in Georgia, producing 98 graduates with median earnings of $84,778 and a value score of 74.5.

Business Administration and Management represents the largest program, graduating 169 students with median earnings of $46,293 and ranking #229 nationally. Applied Behavior Analysis ranks #10 nationally and #1 in Georgia, graduating 90 students with median earnings of $39,356 and a value score of 50.0.

Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences ranks #1 in Georgia despite lower earnings of $34,006, graduating 92 students annually. General Studies ranks #2 in Georgia with 91 graduates earning $41,898.

Clinical Research Coordinator ranks #2 in Georgia, graduating 53 students with earnings of $43,355. The program portfolio demonstrates particular strength in health-related fields, with nursing programs delivering exceptional earnings outcomes and several programs achieving top state rankings across different disciplines.

Clayton State University admits approximately 70.6% of applicants, meaning roughly 7 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Clayton State in the moderately selective category, with admission rates between 50-75%.

The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that Clayton State is somewhat more selective than typical institutions serving similar student populations. This level of selectivity provides reasonable admission odds for qualified applicants while maintaining academic standards appropriate for the student population served.

The 70.6% acceptance rate suggests that most students with appropriate academic preparation should expect favorable admission outcomes. Students considering Clayton State should view admission as accessible rather than highly competitive, though meeting basic academic requirements remains important.

For students building college lists, Clayton State represents a solid option with predictable admission outcomes. The moderate selectivity allows the institution to maintain academic standards while serving its mission of providing educational access to first-generation, transfer, and Pell-eligible students.

Applicants should focus on meeting academic preparation requirements rather than viewing admission as highly uncertain. This admission profile supports Clayton State's role as an accessible public institution serving diverse student populations in Georgia.

Clayton State University's published cost of attendance is $17,940 per year, including $5,068 in-state tuition, $11,104 for room and board, and $1,822 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students pay $15,790 in tuition, bringing their total cost to $28,662.

However, the average student pays just $10,145 after financial aid, representing savings of $7,795 from the sticker price. This net price falls $3,948 above the peer median of $14,093, indicating that Clayton State operates at lower cost levels than typical peer institutions despite serving a high-need student population.

The substantial gap between published cost and actual net price demonstrates effective financial aid targeting toward students with the greatest need. Federal College Scorecard data shows that most students pay significantly less than the published price, with aid concentrated among lower-income families.

The cost structure reflects Clayton State's mission as an accessible public institution, with in-state tuition rates that remain affordable even before financial aid consideration. For families evaluating college costs, Clayton State's net price represents manageable expenses relative to post-graduation earning potential, particularly for Georgia residents who benefit from in-state tuition rates.

Clayton State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression and outcomes that significantly exceed expectations. Median earnings grow from $41,633 six years after enrollment to $45,852 at eight years and $49,179 at ten years, representing 18.1% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 2,724 graduates, providing reliable confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $9,557 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Clayton State at the 84.6th percentile for earnings uplift performance.

This represents one of the institution's strongest metrics, indicating substantial value creation relative to student demographics and institutional resources. Low-income graduates earn $37,800, demonstrating positive economic outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds.

Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with outcomes ranging from $27,996 at the 25th percentile to $74,456 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career development. Approximately 28.8% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.

The earnings growth trajectory and substantial uplift performance highlight Clayton State's effectiveness in supporting student success despite serving a high-need population with significant access barriers.