College Costs in Clay, NY 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Clay, New York. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,356
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Clay Overview
Population
58,805
Student Population
3,049 (5.2%)
Cost of Living Index
137.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
53/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
College Cost Calculator for Clay
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$103,656
Total After Financial Aid
$103,656
Annual Cost
$25,914
Annual After Aid
$25,914
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $103,656 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,177 |
| Total Interest | $37,583 |
| Total Loan Cost | $141,239 |
Universities in Clay
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Clay State University | Public | $10,127 |
| Clay Community College | Community | $6,512 |
Clay has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Clay vs. National Average
| Category | Clay | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,200 | $10,940 | -$740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,356 | $1,050 | +$306 |
| Cost of Living Index | 137.7 | 100 | +37.69999999999999 |
Clay's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Clay
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,049 students
Clay has a total population of 58,805, with approximately 3,049 college students (5.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Clay offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Clay
$51,350
Starting Salary
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Clay earn a median starting salary of $51,350, which is $16,350 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $103,656 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,378 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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Methodology & Education Data Sources for Clay
How we compile Clay college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Clay institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Clay's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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