CAU vs. Austin Peay State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA with Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Austin Peay State University is larger than CAU based on total student enrollment (10,439 students vs. 4,252 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Austin Peay State University is in Clarksville, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Austin Peay State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Austin Peay State University 14:1.

CAU vs. Austin Peay State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Austin Peay State 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 Austin Peay State University than CAU ($9,882 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark Atlanta University are 5.1% lower than at Austin Peay State University ($12,748 vs. $13,430).
• Clark Atlanta University is 214.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Austin Peay State University (about $19,304 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $9,006.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 91.7% higher at CAU than at Austin Peay State University (about $13,544 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $14,766.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Austin Peay State University than at Clark Atlanta University (96% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark Atlanta University students is 10.3% larger than aid received by Austin Peay State University students ($12,453 vs. $11,290).

CAU vs. Austin Peay State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CAU or Austin Peay State 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 Austin Peay State University and CAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark Atlanta University (1000) is 20 points higher than at Austin Peay State University (980).
• Incoming Austin Peay State University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at CAU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Austin Peay State University 843/1126.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Austin Peay State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Austin Peay State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027; Austin Peay State University Aug 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Austin Peay State University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at CAU (3.28).
• Austin Peay State University has a higher acceptance rate (96.4%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 27.5% at Austin Peay State University.

CAU vs. Austin Peay State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Austin Peay State 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).

• Clark Atlanta University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Austin Peay State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Clark Atlanta University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Austin Peay State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Austin Peay State University graduates have a $8,500 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($22,500 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Austin Peay State University graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($232 vs. $320).
• More Austin Peay State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (44% vs. 30%)

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.