CAU vs. Fayetteville State University

Comparable Facts

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

Fayetteville State University is larger than CAU based on total student enrollment (7,107 students vs. 4,252 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CAU vs. Fayetteville State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville State University than CAU ($7,811 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fayetteville State University are 10.2% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($11,449 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 550.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fayetteville State University (about $23,957 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $4,353.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 238.9% higher at CAU than at Fayetteville State University (about $19,957 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $8,353.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fayetteville State University than at Clark Atlanta University (90% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark Atlanta University students is 41.9% larger than aid received by Fayetteville State University students ($12,453 vs. $8,777).

CAU vs. Fayetteville State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark Atlanta University (1000) is 10 points higher than at Fayetteville State University (990).
• Incoming CAU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Fayetteville State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Fayetteville State University 890/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Fayetteville State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Fayetteville State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027; Fayetteville State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CAU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Fayetteville State University (3.11).
• Fayetteville State University has a higher acceptance rate (82.1%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 14.8% at Fayetteville State University.

CAU vs. Fayetteville State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Clark Atlanta University earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than Fayetteville State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $32,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fayetteville State University graduates have a $8,839 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($22,161 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Fayetteville State University graduates have an estimated $91 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($229 vs. $320).
• More CAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fayetteville State University students, three years after graduation. (30% vs. 28%)

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.