Head-to-head · 2026
Clayton State University vs Gordon State College
Compare average net price ($8,365 at Clayton State University; $8,105 at Gordon State College), ROI score (14.70 vs 11.68), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($49,179 vs $37,871), and admissions selectivity (68.5% acceptance at Clayton State University; 85.9% at Gordon State 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 | Gordon State College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 14.70 ✓ | 11.68 |
| Avg net price | $8,365 | $8,105 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $33,460 | $32,420 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $5,180 | $3,628 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $16,532 | $10,948 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $49,179 ✓ | $37,871 |
| Acceptance rate | 68.5% | 85.9% |
| Graduation rate | 39.9% ✓ | 20.4% |
| Retention rate | 70.9% ✓ | 51.2% |
| Median debt | $25,706 | $17,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 4,348 | 2,544 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 958 | 1023 |
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 | Gordon State College |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $7,405 | $6,912 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $7,032 | $6,817 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $9,755 | $9,435 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $12,095 ✓ | $12,326 |
| Family income $110k+ | $14,161 | $12,615 ✓ |
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 | Gordon State College |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 23.6% | 20.2% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 9.7% | 16.4% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 7.1% | 16.4% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 0.8% | 8.9% |
| Biology, General | 3.2% | 5.7% |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | 7.8% | 0.6% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | 4.7% | 1.6% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 2.8% | 3% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Gordon State College reports the lower average net price by $260 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $1,040 difference over four years ($32,420 vs $33,460).
Clayton State University reports $11,308 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($49,179 vs $37,871). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 70.9% at Clayton State University and 51.2% at Gordon State College. Median federal debt among completers is $25,706 vs $17,500, respectively.
8 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.
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Frequently asked
Clayton State University vs Gordon State College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Gordon State College is cheaper — average net price $8,105 per year vs $8,365 at Clayton State University. The annual difference of $260 adds up to about $1,040 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Clayton State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $49,179 vs $37,871 at Gordon State College. The gap in the federal data is $11,308. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Clayton State University is more selective at 68.5% acceptance vs 85.9% at Gordon State College.
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.