CAU vs. North Carolina Central University

Comparable Facts

Compare Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA with North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Carolina Central University is larger than CAU based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 4,252 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); North Carolina Central University is in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; North Carolina Central University 16:1.

CAU vs. North Carolina Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or North Carolina Central 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 North Carolina Central University than CAU ($14,475 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark Atlanta University are 5.2% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($12,748 vs. $13,450).
• Clark Atlanta University is 322.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $21,611 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.5% higher at CAU than at North Carolina Central University (about $8,575 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark Atlanta University than at North Carolina Central University (89% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark Atlanta University students is 3.8% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($12,453 vs. $11,999).

CAU vs. North Carolina Central University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CAU or North Carolina Central University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between North Carolina Central University and CAU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 40 points higher than at CAU (1000).
• Incoming CAU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (18 vs. 17 at North Carolina Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; North Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; North Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; North Carolina Central University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027; North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman CAU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 11% at North Carolina Central University.

CAU vs. North Carolina Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and North Carolina Central University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Clark Atlanta University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from Clark Atlanta University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Carolina Central University and CAU graduates have the same median loan debt ($31,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, North Carolina Central University and CAU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($320 vs. $320).
• More CAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (30% vs. 23%)

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.