Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 35.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 35.4%
- Retention Rate
- 73.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $49,179
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,706
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 36.1%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $273/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,394 | $26,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $53,894 | $41,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $52,607 | $18,375 |
| Education, General. | Master | $50,856 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $47,260 | $51,193 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $45,696 | $34,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $41,937 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $40,492 | $28,259 |
| History. | Bachelor | $39,585 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Certificate | $38,289 | $19,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,688 | $27,787 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $36,848 | $25,500 |
| Legal Support Services. | Bachelor | $36,668 | $28,842 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $36,401 | $29,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $35,420 | $22,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Clayton State graduates earn a median of $49,179 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-income ratio of 52% with typical student loans of $25,706. Monthly loan payments of $273 consume about 6.7% of graduates' income, which falls within manageable ranges for most borrowers. The university's strong ties to Atlanta's healthcare and business sectors help explain the 93.7% employment rate among recent graduates. Many alumni find work in nursing, business administration, and health services throughout metro Atlanta. The relatively low in-state tuition keeps debt manageable compared to private alternatives. Despite modest starting salaries, the combination of reasonable debt levels and strong job placement creates an average return on investment for most students.