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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $17,940 |
| Tuition and Fees | $15,790 |
| Room and Board | $11,104 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,822 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$7,795 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $10,145 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $8,685 |
| $30–48k | $9,021 |
| $48–75k | $11,506 |
| $75–110k | $13,966 |
| $110k+ | $15,948 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is moderate relative to earnings. Manageable for most graduates, but higher-debt borrowers should plan carefully.
Student borrowing at Clayton State University reflects the institution's cost structure and student demographics. Median student debt reaches $25,706 upon graduation, with debt levels ranging from $7,712 at the 25th percentile to $31,251 at the 75th percentile.
This debt level falls $4,601 above the peer median of $21,105, indicating somewhat higher borrowing despite lower net costs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 demonstrates manageable borrowing relative to post-graduation income, with graduates earning $49,179 median salary ten years after enrollment.
Parent PLUS loans average $12,000 with monthly payments of $158, representing additional family borrowing beyond student loans. The debt distribution shows that one-quarter of graduates borrow less than $7,712 while another quarter exceed $31,251, reflecting varied family financial circumstances and program lengths.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Clayton State University delivers strong return on educational investment through substantial earnings uplift and controlled costs. Graduates earn $9,557 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, ranking at the 84.6th percentile for earnings performance relative to demographics.
Median earnings of $49,179 represent solid post-graduation income, achieved with median debt of $25,706 that creates a 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio. The $10,145 net price falls below many peer institutions while producing graduates who earn nearly as much as those from higher-cost alternatives.
Low-income graduates earn $37,800, demonstrating positive economic mobility outcomes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The combination of substantial earnings beyond expectations, manageable debt levels, and accessible costs creates favorable investment conditions for students prioritizing economic advancement.
Clayton State University's financial aid strategy effectively serves its predominantly lower-income student population, with 51.9% of students receiving Pell grants compared to national averages. The $7,795 average financial aid savings demonstrates substantial institutional commitment to affordability, bringing average costs down to $10,145 from the $17,940 sticker price.
Aid allocation strongly favors lower-income families, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $8,685 annually while higher-income families pay $15,948. This 84% cost difference between income tiers reflects federal and state aid programs working effectively to support access for students with the greatest financial need.
The progressive aid structure enables Clayton State to serve 51.9% Pell-eligible students while maintaining operational sustainability. For prospective students, the aid profile indicates that demonstrated financial need translates into meaningful cost reduction, making higher education accessible for first-generation and lower-income families.
