CAU vs. Tusculum University

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Tusculum University based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 1,103 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Tusculum University is in Greeneville, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tusculum University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Tusculum University 18:1.

CAU vs. Tusculum University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Tusculum 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 Tusculum University than CAU ($20,355 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tusculum University are 13.7% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($11,000 vs. $12,748).
• Tusculum University is 3.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than CAU (about $940 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $28,310.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.3% higher at Tusculum University than at Clark Atlanta University (about $940 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $28,310.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Tusculum University than at Clark Atlanta University (94% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tusculum University students is 90.8% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($23,759 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. Tusculum University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tusculum University (1010) is 10 points higher than at CAU (1000).
• Incoming Tusculum University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at CAU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Tusculum University 910/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Tusculum University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Tusculum University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CAU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Tusculum University (3.18).
• Tusculum University has a higher acceptance rate (72.2%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 16.4% at Tusculum University.

CAU vs. Tusculum University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Tusculum 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 Tusculum University's (38%).
• Graduates from Tusculum University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than CAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tusculum University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($27,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Tusculum University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($279 vs. $320).
• More Tusculum University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.