CAU vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

CAU vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Bluefield 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 Bluefield State University than CAU ($15,814 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 9.7% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($11,512 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 165.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $17,662 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.1% higher at CAU than at Bluefield State University (about $9,934 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at Clark Atlanta University (97% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark Atlanta University students is 26.9% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($12,453 vs. $9,814).

CAU vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark Atlanta University (1000) is 20 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming Bluefield State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at CAU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027; Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at CAU (3.28).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

CAU vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Bluefield 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 Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Clark Atlanta University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $12,000 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($19,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($196 vs. $320).
• More CAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (30% 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.