Skip to content

Clayton State University vs Mercer University

Clayton State University is a public university in Morrow, GA, and Mercer University is a private university in Macon, GA. Clayton State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 68% of applicants against 69% at Mercer University. Clayton State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $8,365 a year against $23,847 at Mercer University. About 72% of students graduate at Mercer University, compared with 38% at Clayton State University. Ten years after enrolling, Mercer University alumni earn a median of about $58,354, against $49,179 for Clayton State University.

Clayton State University

Morrow, GA · Public

Mercer University

Macon, GA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Morrow, GA
Macon, GA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
4,348
4,500
Acceptance rate
68%
69%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.31–3.81
3.48–3.98
SAT (middle 50%)
860–1078
1160–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
15–19
25–31
Test policy
Required
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$8,365
$23,847
Full cost / yr
$17,415
$58,204
In-state tuition
$5,180
$42,312
Out-of-state tuition
$16,532
$42,312
Application fee
$40
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,405
$19,817
$30k - $48k
$7,032
$21,484
$48k - $75k
$9,755
$22,533
$75k - $110k
$12,095
$25,184
Over $110k
$14,161
$26,770
Outcomes
Graduation rate
38%
72%
Freshman retention
71%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,633
$50,231
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,179
$58,354
Median debt at graduation
$25,706
$24,199
Student body
Pell grant recipients
52%
35%
First-generation students
38%
28%
International students
1%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jul 15
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Clayton State University or Mercer University harder to get into?
Clayton State University is harder to get into. It admits about 68% of applicants, compared with 69% at Mercer University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Clayton State University or Mercer University?
Clayton State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $8,365 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,847 at Mercer University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Clayton State University and Mercer University?
Before aid, Clayton State University costs about $17,415 a year and Mercer University about $58,204. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Clayton State University or Mercer University?
Clayton State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,405 there, against about $19,817 at Mercer University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Clayton State University or Mercer University?
Mercer University is the larger of the two, with about 4,500 undergraduates against 4,348 at Clayton State University.
Does Clayton State University or Mercer University have a better graduation rate?
Mercer University has the higher graduation rate, at about 72% against 38% at Clayton State University.
Do graduates of Clayton State University or Mercer University earn more?
Mercer University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,354 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,179 for Clayton State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Clayton State University and Mercer University require SAT or ACT scores?
Clayton State University requires SAT or ACT scores. Mercer University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Clayton State University and Mercer University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 860–1078 at Clayton State University and 1160–1350 at Mercer University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school