CAU vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Limestone University based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 1,807 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Limestone University is in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Limestone University 11:1.

CAU vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Limestone 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 Limestone University than CAU ($19,369 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 12.1% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($11,210 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Limestone University (about $510 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at CAU than at Limestone University (about $510 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Limestone University than at Clark Atlanta University (96% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 72.7% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($21,504 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Limestone University (1070) is 70 points higher than at CAU (1000).
• Incoming Limestone 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; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Limestone University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at CAU (3.28).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

CAU vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Limestone 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).

• Clark Atlanta University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from Limestone University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than CAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Limestone University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($27,250 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Limestone University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($281 vs. $320).
• More Limestone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (36% 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.