CAU vs. Union Commonwealth University

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Union Commonwealth University is in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Union Commonwealth University 14:1.

CAU vs. Union Commonwealth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University than CAU ($17,124 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 35.2% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($8,261 vs. $12,748).
• Union Commonwealth University is 9.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than CAU (about $2,636 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $28,310.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.3% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Clark Atlanta University (about $2,636 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $28,310.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Clark Atlanta University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 116.5% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($26,961 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. Union Commonwealth University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union Commonwealth University (1010) is 10 points higher than at CAU (1000).
• Incoming CAU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Union Commonwealth University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Union Commonwealth University 920/1105.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Union Commonwealth University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Union Commonwealth University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CAU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Union Commonwealth University (3.15).
• CAU has a higher acceptance rate (64.2%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University.

CAU vs. Union Commonwealth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University's (32%).
• Graduates from Clark Atlanta University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($24,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($248 vs. $320).
• More Union Commonwealth University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (42% 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.