CAU vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

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

Tennessee State University is larger than CAU based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 4,252 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

CAU vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Tennessee 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 Tennessee State University than CAU ($14,586 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 12.5% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($11,150 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 228.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $19,694 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.3% higher at CAU than at Tennessee State University (about $5,894 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $22,416.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark Atlanta University than at Tennessee State University (89% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark Atlanta University students is 28.9% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($12,453 vs. $9,661).

CAU vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

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

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark Atlanta University (1000) is 30 points higher than at Tennessee State University (970).
• Incoming CAU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at Tennessee State University (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CAU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Tennessee State University (3.22).
• Tennessee State University has a higher acceptance rate (70.1%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

CAU vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Tennessee 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).

• Clark Atlanta University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates of Clark Atlanta University and Tennessee State University have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $38,400), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($28,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($289 vs. $320).
• More CAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (30% vs. 29%)

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.