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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a mixed payoff. The net price sits around $10,000 a year, and median debt at graduation stays close to $25,000, so you won't leave buried in loans. But the 35% graduation rate is the number that should worry you most: fewer than four in ten students finish, and a degree you don't complete is the fastest way to turn this cheap tuition into a bad deal.
Your major decides everything here. Nursing is the clear winner, with graduates earning nearly $70,000 and debt that stays proportional to the reward. Dental support and computer science land in the middle, though computer science carries the highest debt load of any program listed, $34,000, against pay under $46,000. Accounting and teacher education sit at the bottom near $40,000, so if you go that route, borrow as little as possible and expect a slower climb.
The main financial risk is retention. Nearly 27% of students don't return after the first year, and dropping out means paying for credits without the earnings a diploma brings. Pick a program with a clear job at the end and treat finishing on time as the goal that protects your money.
The net price tiers reward lower incomes. If your family earns under $48,000, you'll pay around $9,000 a year. above $110,000, that rises to roughly $16,000. Even the top tier stays affordable for a four-year degree, so this school works best if you're cost-conscious and headed for nursing or a licensed field.
Look elsewhere if you want a major outside the strong programs here or if you're unsure you'll finish, because the low sticker price only pays off with a completed, career-focused degree.
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.