CAU vs. Freed-Hardeman University

Comparable Facts

Compare Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA with Freed Hardeman University in Henderson, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Freed-Hardeman University based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 2,306 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Freed Hardeman University is in Henderson, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Freed Hardeman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Freed Hardeman University 10:1.

CAU vs. Freed-Hardeman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Freed-Hardeman 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 Freed Hardeman University than CAU ($20,178 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Freed Hardeman University are 31.4% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($8,740 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 10.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Freed-Hardeman University (about $2,690 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $25,620.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.5% higher at CAU than at Freed Hardeman University (about $2,690 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $25,620.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Freed Hardeman University than at Clark Atlanta University (96% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Freed Hardeman University students is 45.1% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($18,074 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. Freed-Hardeman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CAU or Freed-Hardeman 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 Freed-Hardeman University and CAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Freed Hardeman University (1020) is 20 points higher than at CAU (1000).
• Incoming Freed-Hardeman University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at CAU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Freed Hardeman University 952/1087.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Freed Hardeman University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Freed-Hardeman University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Freed-Hardeman University students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at CAU (3.28).
• CAU has a higher acceptance rate (64.2%) than Freed-Hardeman University (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 36.4% at Freed-Hardeman University.

CAU vs. Freed-Hardeman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Freed-Hardeman 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).

• Freed Hardeman University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Clark Atlanta University's (41%).
• Graduates from Freed Hardeman University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than CAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,700 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Freed Hardeman University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($26,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Freed-Hardeman University graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($268 vs. $320).
• More Freed-Hardeman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.