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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Clayton State University typically score between 868 and 1070 on the SAT, with a median of 973. The middle 50% range indicates that most enrolled students fall within this band, though students outside this range are admitted in smaller numbers. SAT Math scores range from 418 to 520, while SAT Verbal scores span 450 to 550, showing relatively balanced performance across both sections. The peer median SAT score of 1090 indicates that Clayton State enrolls students with test scores 117 points below typical peer institutions, reflecting the university's commitment to serving students who may have faced educational barriers or come from under-resourced academic backgrounds. ACT scores range from 16 to 20 for enrolled students, providing alternative pathways for students who perform better on the ACT format. These academic credentials reflect Clayton State's role as an access-oriented institution that evaluates students holistically rather than relying solely on standardized test performance. The test score ranges indicate that students with SAT scores above 1070 or below 868 are still admitted, though in smaller proportions. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when assessing fit and likelihood of admission. For prospective students, these ranges provide realistic expectations about academic preparation levels rather than minimum requirements for admission consideration.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Clayton State University enrolls a diverse student body that reflects its mission of providing educational access to underserved populations. The institution enrolls 51.9% Pell-eligible students, indicating that more than half of students come from families with significant financial need. First-generation college students comprise 37.9% of enrollment, demonstrating Clayton State's role in expanding higher education access to families without prior college experience. Transfer students represent 59.3% of the student body, highlighting the institution's effectiveness in providing pathways for students who begin their college careers elsewhere. This high transfer share indicates that Clayton State serves as a destination for students seeking to complete their bachelor's degrees after starting at community colleges or other institutions. The combination of high Pell share, substantial first-generation enrollment, and predominant transfer population creates a student body characterized by diverse academic and economic backgrounds. This composition reflects Georgia's need for accessible higher education options that serve working students, parents, and others who require flexible pathways to degree completion. For prospective students, this demographic profile indicates a campus environment where non-traditional students, first-generation students, and those from lower-income backgrounds form the majority rather than a minority population.
With Clayton State's 70.6% acceptance rate, most qualified applicants should expect admission offers. However, students seeking alternatives should consider these comparable institutions with different strengths.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Clayton State University maintains a 73.2% first-year retention rate, matching the peer median and indicating that most students who enroll return for their sophomore year. The six-year graduation rate of 35.4% falls below the peer median of 49.3%, reflecting challenges common among institutions serving high-transfer and high-need student populations. Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 42.1%, creating a positive 6.7 percentage point gap compared to the overall graduation rate. This reverse gap is notable and suggests that lower-income students at Clayton State receive effective support systems that help them persist to degree completion at higher rates than the general student body. The positive Pell gap indicates strong institutional commitment to supporting students with the greatest financial need through graduation. Students who enroll at Clayton State should expect an environment where retention support exists, though completion rates reflect the realities of serving working students, parents, and those with complex life circumstances. The higher success rate among Pell-eligible students demonstrates that financial need does not predict lower success at Clayton State. Prospective students should view these metrics as indicators of institutional effectiveness in supporting diverse learners rather than barriers to success.
Similar quality tier in Southeast (#234 ranked)
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Similar quality tier (#240 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#239 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#254 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#257 ranked)
Higher acceptance rates with similar career outcomes.
Build a balanced list with schools at different selectivity and price points.
Explore More Schools