College Costs in Clayton, DE 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Clayton, Delaware. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$13,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$633
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Clayton Overview
Population
3,344
Student Population
2,094 (62.6%)
Cost of Living Index
95.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Clayton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$108,560
Total After Financial Aid
$108,560
Annual Cost
$27,140
Annual After Aid
$27,140
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $108,560 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,233 |
| Total Interest | $39,361 |
| Total Loan Cost | $147,921 |
Universities in Clayton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton State University | Public | $13,827 |
| Clayton Community College | Community | $5,837 |
Clayton has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Clayton vs. National Average
| Category | Clayton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $13,100 | $10,940 | +$2,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $633 | $1,050 | -$417 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.2 | 100 | -4.799999999999997 |
Clayton's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Clayton
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,094 students
Clayton has a total population of 3,344, with approximately 2,094 college students (62.6% of the population). As a major college town, Clayton offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Clayton
$45,187
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~11 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Clayton earn a median starting salary of $45,187, which is $10,187 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $108,560 (including room and board), it would take approximately 11 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,750 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Delaware
Wilmington
5 colleges · Avg tuition $14,280
Dover
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,770
Newark
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Middletown
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Bear
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Pike Creek
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Glasgow
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Brookside
1 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Hockessin
1 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Smyrna
1 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Milford
1 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Pike Creek Valley
1 colleges · Avg tuition $13,100
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Clayton
How we compile Clayton 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 Clayton 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: Clayton'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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