CAU vs. JCSU

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than JCSU based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 1,302 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Johnson C Smith University is in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson C Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Johnson C Smith University 12:1.

CAU vs. JCSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or JCSU? 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 C Smith University than CAU ($19,705 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson C Smith University are 32.5% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($8,600 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 32.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than JCSU (about $7,010 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.9% higher at CAU than at Johnson C Smith University (about $7,010 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson C Smith University than at Clark Atlanta University (93% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson C Smith University students is 22.4% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($15,238 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. JCSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CAU or JCSU? 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 JCSU and CAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark Atlanta University (1000) is 110 points higher than at JCSU (890).
• Incoming CAU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 15 at JCSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Johnson C Smith University 800/980.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Johnson C Smith University 13/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; JCSU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CAU students have a 0.8 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at JCSU (2.48).
• CAU has a higher acceptance rate (64.2%) than JCSU (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 12.8% at JCSU.

CAU vs. JCSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and JCSU? 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 Johnson C Smith University's (37%).
• Graduates from Clark Atlanta University earn a median of about $8,100 more per year than JCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $30,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clark Atlanta University graduates have a $1,050 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($31,000 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, CAU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($320 vs. $331).
• More CAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCSU students, three years after graduation. (30% vs. 26%)

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.