CAU vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA with Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than CAU based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 4,252 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

CAU vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or WKU? 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 Western Kentucky University than CAU ($12,548 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 1.3% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($12,582 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 143% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $16,658 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.9% higher at CAU than at Western Kentucky University (about $1,310 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Clark Atlanta University (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark Atlanta University students is 14% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($12,453 vs. $10,921).

CAU vs. WKU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark Atlanta University (1000) is 50 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming CAU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at WKU (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027; WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at CAU (3.28).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 30.2% at WKU.

CAU vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and WKU? 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).

• Western Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Clark Atlanta University's (41%).
• Graduates from Clark Atlanta University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $6,750 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($24,250 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($250 vs. $320).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (47% 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.