CAU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Comparable Facts

Compare Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA with Johnson & Wales University Charlotte in Charlotte, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 1,184 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 14:1.

CAU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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 Johnson & Wales University Charlotte than CAU ($28,084 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark Atlanta University are 13.9% lower than at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte ($12,748 vs. $14,800).
• Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is 49.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than CAU (about $14,109 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $28,310.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.8% higher at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte than at Clark Atlanta University (about $14,109 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $28,310.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte than at Clark Atlanta University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson & Wales University Charlotte students is 141.2% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($30,033 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CAU or Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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 Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte and CAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte (1010) is 10 points higher than at CAU (1000).
• Incoming Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at CAU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte has a higher acceptance rate (79.9%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 13.7% at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte.

CAU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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).

• Johnson & Wales University Charlotte's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Clark Atlanta University's (41%).
• Graduates from Johnson & Wales University Charlotte earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than CAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,100 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Johnson & Wales University Charlotte graduates have a $4,100 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($26,900 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($278 vs. $320).
• More Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.