At $10,145/yr net price, Clayton State University graduates earn $49,179/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,179/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,145 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,580 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,179/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,179/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,706 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,685/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,021/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,506/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,966/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,948/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
35.4% of students at Clayton State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Clayton State University offers weak financial returns despite its low cost. The $10,145 annual net price makes it affordable, but median post-graduation earnings of $49,179 barely justify the investment when paired with a concerning 35% graduation rate.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner at Clayton State, with graduates earning $68,394 annually against modest $26,500 debt loads. This program delivers strong ROI in Georgia's growing healthcare market. Business administration also performs well at $53,894 in earnings, though the $41,000 debt burden cuts into returns. Dental support services graduates see solid $52,607 salaries with lower $18,375 debt.
Education majors face poor prospects with $50,856 earnings that barely exceed the overall median, while health administration graduates carry crushing $51,193 debt loads for $47,260 salaries. These programs destroy financial value.
The biggest risk at Clayton State is not graduating at all. With only one in three students completing their degree and a 73% retention rate, you face serious odds of accumulating debt without a credential. The school struggles to keep students enrolled and on track.
Clayton State works financially for nursing students and those who can complete business programs efficiently. If you need extensive academic support or plan to study education or health administration, look elsewhere. The school's location in metro Atlanta provides job opportunities, but you must actually graduate to benefit. Consider this option only if you have strong study habits and clear career focus in the university's strongest programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clayton State University worth the cost?
Clayton State University offers decent value with a low net price of $10,145 and manageable debt levels around $25,706. However, the 35% graduation rate is concerning, and 10-year earnings of $49,179 are below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Clayton State University?
Nursing programs at Clayton State University provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $68,394 annually. Business administration ($53,894) and dental support services ($52,607) also offer solid returns that justify the investment.
How much debt do Clayton State University students graduate with?
Clayton State University graduates carry a median debt of $25,706, which is reasonable given the school's low annual net price. The debt-to-income ratio is manageable for nursing and business graduates but may be challenging for education majors earning around $50,856.
What is the graduation rate at Clayton State University and why does it matter?
Only 35% of students graduate from Clayton State University, which significantly impacts ROI since non-graduates still accumulate debt without earning a degree. This low completion rate suggests many students may struggle academically or financially to finish their programs.