Clayton State University vs LaGrange College: which has better ROI?
LaGrange College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $83,500 in 24.7 years versus 40.9 years at Clayton State University, on median earnings of $51,745 vs $49,179 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Clayton State University | LaGrange College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $8,365 | $20,875 |
| Total net cost | $33,460 | $83,500 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,179 | $51,745 |
| Median debt | $25,706 | $25,730 |
| Payback | 40.9 yrs | 24.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$17,080 | -$15,800 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Clayton State University or LaGrange College?
Clayton State University, at $8,365 a year after aid versus $20,875 — a gap of $12,510 a year, or $50,040 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Clayton State University or LaGrange College graduates earn more?
LaGrange College graduates report a median $51,745 ten years after entry, $2,566 more than the $49,179 at Clayton State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Clayton State University or LaGrange College?
Clayton State University: its completers carry a median $25,706 in federal loans versus $25,730 at LaGrange College, a difference of $24. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
47% of students finish at LaGrange College, against 40% at Clayton State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.