CAU vs. Allen University

Comparable Facts

Compare Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA with Allen University in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Allen University based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 610 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Allen University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Allen University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Allen University 12:1.

CAU vs. Allen University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Allen University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Allen University than CAU ($11,182 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allen University are 32.7% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($8,584 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 97.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Allen University (about $14,006 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $14,304.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 97.9% higher at CAU than at Allen University (about $14,006 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $14,304.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Allen University than at Clark Atlanta University (97% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Allen University students is 3.8% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($12,927 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. Allen University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CAU or Allen University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Allen University and CAU.

• Allen University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Allen University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027; Allen University Jul 1, 2027.
• Allen University has a higher acceptance rate (72.5%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 6.1% at Allen University.

CAU vs. Allen University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Allen University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Clark Atlanta University earn a median of about $14,100 more per year than Allen University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $24,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clark Atlanta University graduates have a $6,119 lower median loan debt than Allen University graduates ($31,000 vs. $37,119).
• Among borrowers, CAU graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Allen University graduates ($320 vs. $383).
• More CAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Allen University students, three years after graduation. (30% vs. 13%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.