CAU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Lenoir-Rhyne University based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 2,256 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Lenoir Rhyne University is in Hickory, NC (Small City setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lenoir Rhyne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Lenoir Rhyne University 15:1.

CAU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir Rhyne University than CAU ($21,546 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark Atlanta University are 4.9% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($12,748 vs. $13,400).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is 12.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than CAU (about $3,590 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $28,310.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.7% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Clark Atlanta University (about $3,590 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $28,310.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at Clark Atlanta University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 88.4% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($23,467 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CAU or Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University and CAU.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Lenoir-Rhyne University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lenoir-Rhyne University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at CAU (3.28).
• Lenoir-Rhyne University has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 11% at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

CAU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Lenoir-Rhyne 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).

• Lenoir Rhyne University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Clark Atlanta University's (41%).
• Graduates from Lenoir Rhyne University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than CAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lenoir Rhyne University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($27,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($279 vs. $320).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University 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.