CAU vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CAU vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Columbia College? 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 Columbia College than CAU ($18,790 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 26.3% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($9,390 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 27.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $6,096 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.4% higher at CAU than at Columbia College (about $6,096 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at Clark Atlanta University (97% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 32.1% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($16,451 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark Atlanta University (1000) is the same as at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming CAU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at CAU (3.28).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

CAU vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Columbia College? 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).

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Clark Atlanta University's (41%).
• Graduates from Clark Atlanta University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $5,736 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($25,264 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($261 vs. $320).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (43% 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.