University of West Alabama vs. CAU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of West Alabama in Livingston, AL with Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of West Alabama is larger than CAU based on total student enrollment (6,820 students vs. 4,252 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of West Alabama is located in Livingston, AL (Remote Rural setting); Clark Atlanta University is in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting).
• University of West Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of West Alabama 19:1; Clark Atlanta University 16:1.

University of West Alabama vs. CAU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of West Alabama or CAU? 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 West Alabama than CAU ($13,954 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Alabama are 35.4% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($8,230 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 157.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of West Alabama (about $17,320 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $10,990.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.9% higher at CAU than at University of West Alabama (about $8,220 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $20,090.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of West Alabama than at Clark Atlanta University (93% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark Atlanta University students is 37.8% larger than aid received by University of West Alabama students ($12,453 vs. $9,037).

University of West Alabama vs. CAU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of West Alabama or CAU? 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 CAU and University of West Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark Atlanta University (1000) is 10 points higher than at University of West Alabama (990).
• Incoming University of West Alabama students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at CAU (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 860/1120; Clark Atlanta University 880/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 16/21; Clark Atlanta University 16/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of West Alabama - Test optional; CAU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Alabama Aug 10, 2027; CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CAU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at University of West Alabama (3.16).
• CAU has a higher acceptance rate (64.2%) than University of West Alabama (42.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at University of West Alabama vs. 5.7% at CAU.

University of West Alabama vs. CAU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of West Alabama and CAU? 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 West Alabama's (28%).
• Graduates from University of West Alabama earn a median of about $100 more per year than CAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,500 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of West Alabama graduates have a $4,511 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($26,489 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, University of West Alabama graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($273 vs. $320).
• More University of West Alabama graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (36% 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.