CAU vs. Erskine College

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Erskine College based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 912 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Erskine College is in Due West, SC (Distant Rural setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Erskine College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Erskine College 15:1.

CAU vs. Erskine College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Erskine 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 Erskine College than CAU ($23,882 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark Atlanta University are 3.8% lower than at Erskine College ($12,748 vs. $13,250).
• Erskine College is 29.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than CAU (about $8,400 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $28,310.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.7% higher at Erskine College than at Clark Atlanta University (about $8,400 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $28,310.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Erskine College than at Clark Atlanta University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Erskine College students is 150.3% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($31,174 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. Erskine College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Erskine College (1040) is 40 points higher than at CAU (1000).
• Incoming Erskine College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at CAU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Erskine College 920/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Erskine College 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Erskine College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CAU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Erskine College (3.26).
• CAU has a higher acceptance rate (64.2%) than Erskine College (62.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 22.2% at Erskine College.

CAU vs. Erskine College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Erskine 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).

• Erskine College's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Clark Atlanta University's (41%).
• Graduates from Erskine College earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than CAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Erskine College graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($26,750 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Erskine College graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($276 vs. $320).
• More Erskine College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.