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), 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. Georgia Highlands College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Georgia Highlands 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 | Georgia Highlands College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 14.70 | 15.58 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $8,365 | $6,928 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $49,179 ✓ | $43,184 |
| Acceptance rate | 68.5% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 39.9% ✓ | 20.7% |
| Median debt | $25,706 | $12,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 4,348 | 4,761 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 958 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Clayton State University costs $1,437 more per year than Georgia Highlands College ($8,365 vs $6,928). Clayton State University graduates report $5,995 higher median earnings after ten years ($49,179 vs $43,184). On EduGradify's model that puts Georgia Highlands College ahead on projected ROI (15.58 vs 14.70, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Georgia Highlands College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Clayton State University reports 68.5% acceptance; Georgia Highlands College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Clayton State University vs Georgia Highlands College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Clayton State University or Georgia Highlands College the better value?
Georgia Highlands College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.58 vs 14.70), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
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 median earnings ten years after entry: $49,179 vs $43,184 at Georgia Highlands College. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,995.
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; Georgia Highlands College reports A.