Head-to-head · 2026
Clayton State University vs Georgia Highlands College
Compare average net price ($8,365 at Clayton State University; $6,928 at Georgia Highlands College), ROI score (14.70 vs 15.58), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($49,179 vs $43,184), and admissions context (68.5% at Clayton State University; Open / not reported at Georgia Highlands College) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Clayton State University | Georgia Highlands College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 14.70 | 15.58 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $8,365 | $6,928 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $33,460 | $27,712 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $5,180 | $3,120 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $16,532 | $10,080 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $49,179 ✓ | $43,184 |
| Acceptance rate | 68.5% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 39.9% ✓ | 20.7% |
| Retention rate | 70.9% ✓ | 59.3% |
| Median debt | $25,706 | $12,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 4,348 | 4,761 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 958 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Clayton State University | Georgia Highlands College |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $7,405 | $5,473 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $7,032 | $5,989 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $9,755 | $7,827 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $12,095 | $10,618 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $14,161 | $12,363 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Clayton State University | Georgia Highlands College |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 9.7% | 67.1% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 23.6% | 3.2% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 7.1% | 14.5% |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | 7.8% | 4.3% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | 4.7% | 3.2% |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | 2.1% | 4.9% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 2.8% | 2% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Georgia Highlands College reports the lower average net price by $1,437 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $5,748 difference over four years ($27,712 vs $33,460).
Clayton State University reports $5,995 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($49,179 vs $43,184). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 70.9% at Clayton State University and 59.3% at Georgia Highlands College. Median federal debt among completers is $25,706 vs $12,000, respectively.
7 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Clayton State University vs Georgia Highlands College, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Georgia Highlands College is cheaper — average net price $6,928 per year vs $8,365 at Clayton State University. The annual difference of $1,437 adds up to about $5,748 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Clayton State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $49,179 vs $43,184 at Georgia Highlands College. The gap in the federal data is $5,995. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.