CAU vs. Life University

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 2,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CAU vs. Life University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Life 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 Life University than CAU ($29,111 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark Atlanta University are 14.2% lower than at Life University ($12,748 vs. $14,850).
• Clark Atlanta University is 88.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $13,274 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 88.3% higher at CAU than at Life University (about $13,274 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clark Atlanta University as at Life University (89% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark Atlanta University students is 10.3% larger than aid received by Life University students ($12,453 vs. $11,292).

CAU vs. Life University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CAU or Life 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 Life University and CAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is 30 points higher than at CAU (1000).
• Incoming CAU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at Life University (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Life University 920/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Life University 17/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Life University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CAU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 42.1% at Life University.

CAU vs. Life University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Life 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).

• Life University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Clark Atlanta University's (41%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than CAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $22,666 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($8,334 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $234 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($86 vs. $320).
• More Life University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (33% 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.