CAU vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

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

Murray State University is larger than CAU based on total student enrollment (10,020 students vs. 4,252 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Murray State University 17:1.

CAU vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Murray State 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 Murray State University than CAU ($10,182 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 12.8% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($11,112 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 186% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $18,410 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.7% higher at CAU than at Murray State University (about $8,474 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Clark Atlanta University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 13.9% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($14,178 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Murray State University (1060) is 60 points higher than at CAU (1000).
• Incoming Murray State 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; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at CAU (3.28).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

CAU vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Murray State 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).

• Murray State University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Clark Atlanta University's (41%).
• Graduates from Murray State University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than CAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($21,500 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $98 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($222 vs. $320).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.