CAU vs. Carolina University

Comparable Facts

Compare Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA with Carolina University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Carolina University based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 880 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Carolina University is in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Midsize City setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carolina University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Carolina University 17:1.

CAU vs. Carolina University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Carolina 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 Carolina University than CAU ($20,412 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carolina University are 2.7% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($12,400 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 61.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carolina University (about $10,735 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $17,575.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.1% higher at CAU than at Carolina University (about $10,735 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $17,575.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carolina University than at Clark Atlanta University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark Atlanta University students is 4.2% larger than aid received by Carolina University students ($12,453 vs. $11,947).

CAU vs. Carolina University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CAU or Carolina 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 Carolina 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; Carolina University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CAU students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Carolina University (3.0).
• CAU has a higher acceptance rate (64.2%) than Carolina University (39.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 26.5% at Carolina University.

CAU vs. Carolina University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Carolina 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).

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.