CAU vs. Shorter

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Shorter based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 1,318 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Shorter University is in Rome, GA (Small City setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shorter University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Shorter University 14:1.

CAU vs. Shorter Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Shorter? 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 Shorter University than CAU ($16,821 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shorter University are 22.2% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($9,920 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 14.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shorter (about $3,680 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $24,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.9% higher at CAU than at Shorter University (about $3,680 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $24,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shorter University than at Clark Atlanta University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shorter University students is 51.5% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($18,862 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. Shorter Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CAU or Shorter? 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 Shorter and CAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shorter University (1120) is 120 points higher than at CAU (1000).
• Incoming Shorter students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at CAU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Shorter University 1040/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Shorter University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Shorter - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027; Shorter Aug 25, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CAU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Shorter (3.25).
• Shorter has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 33.5% at Shorter.

CAU vs. Shorter Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Shorter? 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).

• Shorter University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Clark Atlanta University's (41%).
• Graduates from Shorter University earn a median of about $10,900 more per year than CAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shorter University graduates have a $2,582 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($28,418 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Shorter graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($293 vs. $320).
• More Shorter graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (38% 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.