Clayton State University vs Thomas University: which has better ROI?
Clayton State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $33,460 in 40.9 years versus 54.6 years at Thomas University, on median earnings of $49,179 vs $49,716 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Clayton State University | Thomas University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $8,365 | $18,499 |
| Total net cost | $33,460 | $73,996 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,179 | $49,716 |
| Median debt | $25,706 | $21,198 |
| Payback | 40.9 yrs | 54.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$17,080 | -$46,876 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Clayton State University or Thomas University?
Clayton State University, at $8,365 a year after aid versus $18,499 — a gap of $10,134 a year, or $40,536 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 Thomas University graduates earn more?
Thomas University graduates report a median $49,716 ten years after entry, $537 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 Thomas University?
Thomas University: its completers carry a median $21,198 in federal loans versus $25,706 at Clayton State University, a difference of $4,508. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
40% of students finish at Clayton State University, against 28% at Thomas 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.