CAU vs. Clayton State University

Comparable Facts

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

Clayton State University is larger than CAU based on total student enrollment (6,163 students vs. 4,252 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Clayton State University is in Morrow, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clayton State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Clayton State University 20:1.

CAU vs. Clayton State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Clayton 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 Clayton State University than CAU ($8,192 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clayton State University are 4.1% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($12,226 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 446.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clayton State University (about $23,130 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $5,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71.2% higher at CAU than at Clayton State University (about $11,778 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $16,532.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clayton State University than at Clark Atlanta University (92% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark Atlanta University students is 31.9% larger than aid received by Clayton State University students ($12,453 vs. $9,444).

CAU vs. Clayton State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark Atlanta University (1000) is 30 points higher than at Clayton State University (970).
• Incoming CAU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Clayton State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Clayton State University 860/1078.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Clayton State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Clayton State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027; Clayton State University Jul 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CAU students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Clayton State University (3.0).
• Clayton State University has a higher acceptance rate (68.4%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 40.5% at Clayton State University.

CAU vs. Clayton State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Clayton 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 Clayton State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Clayton State University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than CAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clayton State University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($27,500 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Clayton State University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($284 vs. $320).
• More Clayton State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (35% 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.