Valdosta State University vs Clayton State 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 43.7 years at Valdosta State University, on median earnings of $49,179 vs $49,361 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Valdosta State University | Clayton State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $10,945 | $8,365 |
| Total net cost | $43,780 | $33,460 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,361 | $49,179 |
| Median debt | $24,779 | $25,706 |
| Payback | 43.7 yrs | 40.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$23,760 | -$17,080 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Valdosta State University or Clayton State University?
Clayton State University, at $8,365 a year after aid versus $10,945 — a gap of $2,580 a year, or $10,320 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Valdosta State University or Clayton State University graduates earn more?
Valdosta State University graduates report a median $49,361 ten years after entry, $182 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, Valdosta State University or Clayton State University?
Valdosta State University: its completers carry a median $24,779 in federal loans versus $25,706 at Clayton State University, a difference of $927. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
42% of students finish at Valdosta State University, 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.