CAU vs. CSU

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CAU vs. CSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or CSU? 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 Charleston Southern University than CAU ($21,080 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 4.3% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($12,200 vs. $12,748).
• Charleston Southern University is 14.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than CAU (about $4,210 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $28,310.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.9% higher at CSU than at Clark Atlanta University (about $4,210 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $28,310.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at Clark Atlanta University (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 86.6% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($23,240 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. CSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CAU or CSU? 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 CSU and CAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is 50 points higher than at CAU (1000).
• Incoming CSU 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; Charleston Southern University 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Charleston Southern University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; CSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CAU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 17.7% at CSU.

CAU vs. CSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and CSU? 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 Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Charleston Southern University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than CAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Charleston Southern University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($27,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($279 vs. $320).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.