CAU vs. Spalding

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Spalding based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 1,553 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Spalding University is in Louisville, KY (Large City setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Spalding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Spalding University 9:1.

CAU vs. Spalding Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Spalding? 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 Spalding University than CAU ($25,999 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spalding University are 23.8% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($9,710 vs. $12,748).
• Spalding University is 3.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than CAU (about $890 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $28,310.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.1% higher at Spalding than at Clark Atlanta University (about $890 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $28,310.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spalding University than at Clark Atlanta University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spalding University students is 56% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($19,429 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. Spalding Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark Atlanta University (1000) is 40 points higher than at Spalding (960).
• Incoming CAU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at Spalding (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Spalding University 875/1038.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Spalding University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Spalding - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Spalding students have a 0.59 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at CAU (3.28).
• Spalding has a higher acceptance rate (99.4%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 15.6% at Spalding.

CAU vs. Spalding Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Spalding? 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).

• Spalding University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Clark Atlanta University's (41%).
• Graduates from Spalding University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than CAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spalding University graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($25,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Spalding graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($258 vs. $320).
• More Spalding graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (44% 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.