Head-to-head · 2026
Clayton State University vs Dalton State College
Compare average net price ($8,365 at Clayton State University; $5,012 at Dalton State College), ROI score (14.70 vs 20.08), ten-year median earnings ($49,179 vs $40,251), and admissions context (68.5% at Clayton State University; Open / not reported at Dalton State College) using federal College Scorecard data. Dalton State College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Dalton State College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| 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 | — |
| Metric advantages | 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+.