CAU vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

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

University of Memphis is larger than CAU based on total student enrollment (20,276 students vs. 4,252 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CAU vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Memphis? 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 University of Memphis than CAU ($12,756 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Memphis are 11% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($11,342 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 163.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Memphis (about $17,582 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $10,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84% higher at CAU than at University of Memphis (about $12,926 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Memphis than at Clark Atlanta University (92% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark Atlanta University students is 5.6% larger than aid received by University of Memphis students ($12,453 vs. $11,793).

CAU vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Memphis (1050) is 50 points higher than at CAU (1000).
• Incoming Memphis 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; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027; Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Memphis students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at CAU (3.28).
• Memphis has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

CAU vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Memphis? 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 University of Memphis's (38%).
• Graduates from University of Memphis earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than CAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Memphis graduates have a $5,750 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($25,250 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Memphis graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($261 vs. $320).
• More Memphis graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (37% 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.