Head-to-head · 2026
Clayton State University vs Dalton State College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Clayton State University, 3 for Dalton State College — Dalton State College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Clayton State University | Dalton State College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 14.70 | 20.08 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $8,365 | $5,012 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $49,179 ✓ | $40,251 |
| Acceptance rate | 68.5% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 39.9% ✓ | 25.3% |
| Median debt | $25,706 | $12,937 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 4,348 | 4,553 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 958 | — |
| Wins | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Clayton State University costs $3,353 more per year than Dalton State College ($8,365 vs $5,012). Clayton State University graduates report $8,928 higher median earnings after ten years ($49,179 vs $40,251). On EduGradify's model that puts Dalton State College ahead on projected ROI (20.08 vs 14.70, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Dalton State College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Clayton State University reports 68.5% acceptance; Dalton State College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Clayton State University vs Dalton State College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Clayton State University or Dalton State College the better value?
Dalton State College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (20.08 vs 14.70), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Dalton State College is cheaper — average net price $5,012 per year vs $8,365 at Clayton State University. The annual difference of $3,353 adds up to about $13,412 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Clayton State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $49,179 vs $40,251 at Dalton State College. The annual gap in the federal data is $8,928.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Clayton State University reports a A value grade; Dalton State College reports A+.