CAU vs. Fort Valley State University

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Fort Valley State University based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 2,897 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Fort Valley State University is in Fort Valley, GA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fort Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Fort Valley State University 21:1.

CAU vs. Fort Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Fort Valley 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 Fort Valley State University than CAU ($10,047 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fort Valley State University are 12.9% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($11,100 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 412.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fort Valley State University (about $22,784 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $5,526.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.2% higher at CAU than at Fort Valley State University (about $11,378 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $16,932.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fort Valley State University than at Clark Atlanta University (94% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark Atlanta University students is 23.9% larger than aid received by Fort Valley State University students ($12,453 vs. $10,049).

CAU vs. Fort Valley State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark Atlanta University (1000) is the same as at Fort Valley State University (1000).
• Incoming Fort Valley State University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at CAU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Fort Valley State University 930/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Fort Valley State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Fort Valley State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027; Fort Valley State University Jun 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CAU students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Fort Valley State University (2.87).
• Fort Valley State University has a higher acceptance rate (65.9%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 22.8% at Fort Valley State University.

CAU vs. Fort Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Fort Valley 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 Fort Valley State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Clark Atlanta University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Fort Valley State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $32,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clark Atlanta University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Fort Valley State University graduates ($31,000 vs. $36,500).
• Among borrowers, CAU graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fort Valley State University graduates ($320 vs. $377).
• More CAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fort Valley State University students, three years after graduation. (30% vs. 19%)

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.