CAU vs. Mars Hill University

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Mars Hill University based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 1,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Mars Hill University is in Mars Hill, NC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mars Hill University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Mars Hill University 11:1.

CAU vs. Mars Hill University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Mars Hill 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 Mars Hill University than CAU ($18,925 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mars Hill University are 3.8% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($12,258 vs. $12,748).
• Mars Hill University is 33.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than CAU (about $9,426 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $28,310.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.3% higher at Mars Hill University than at Clark Atlanta University (about $9,426 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $28,310.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mars Hill University than at Clark Atlanta University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mars Hill University students is 149.5% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($31,066 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. Mars Hill University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CAU or Mars Hill 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 Mars Hill 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; Mars Hill University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mars Hill University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at CAU (3.28).
• Mars Hill University has a higher acceptance rate (67.9%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 31.1% at Mars Hill University.

CAU vs. Mars Hill University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Mars Hill 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 Mars Hill University's (38%).
• Graduates from Clark Atlanta University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Mars Hill University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $32,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mars Hill University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($27,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Mars Hill University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($279 vs. $320).
• More Mars Hill University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.