CAU vs. Claflin University

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Claflin University based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 1,852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Claflin University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Claflin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Claflin University 13:1.

CAU vs. Claflin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Claflin 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 Claflin University than CAU ($17,272 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Claflin University are 25.6% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($9,480 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 54.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Claflin University (about $10,028 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.9% higher at CAU than at Claflin University (about $10,028 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Claflin University than at Clark Atlanta University (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Claflin University students is 33.3% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($16,596 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. Claflin University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark Atlanta University (1000) is 60 points higher than at Claflin University (940).
• Incoming CAU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Claflin University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Claflin University 840/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Claflin University 16/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Claflin University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CAU students have the same average high school GPA (3.28) as students at Claflin University (3.28).
• Claflin University has a higher acceptance rate (64.9%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 7.3% at Claflin University.

CAU vs. Claflin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Claflin 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 Claflin University's (40%).
• Graduates from Clark Atlanta University earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than Claflin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clark Atlanta University graduates have a $1,184 lower median loan debt than Claflin University graduates ($31,000 vs. $32,184).
• Among borrowers, CAU graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Claflin University graduates ($320 vs. $332).
• More CAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation. (30% vs. 25%)

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.