CAU vs. Bluefield University

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Bluefield University is in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Bluefield University 14:1.

CAU vs. Bluefield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Bluefield 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 Bluefield University than CAU ($22,216 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 25.6% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($9,480 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 5.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield University (about $1,540 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.8% higher at CAU than at Bluefield University (about $1,540 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield University than at Clark Atlanta University (94% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield University students is 63.3% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($20,341 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. Bluefield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CAU or Bluefield 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 Bluefield University and CAU.

• 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; Bluefield University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at CAU (3.28).
• CAU has a higher acceptance rate (64.2%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 18.5% at Bluefield University.

CAU vs. Bluefield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Bluefield 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 Bluefield University's (36%).
• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than CAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $10,166 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($20,834 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $105 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($215 vs. $320).
• More Bluefield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (51% 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.