CAU vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Fisk University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Fisk University 12:1.

CAU vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Fisk 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 Fisk University than CAU ($18,595 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark Atlanta University are 12.3% lower than at Fisk University ($12,748 vs. $14,540).
• Clark Atlanta University is 9.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $2,452 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.5% higher at CAU than at Fisk University (about $2,452 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark Atlanta University than at Fisk University (89% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fisk University students is 83.2% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($22,811 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fisk University (1330) is 330 points higher than at CAU (1000).
• Incoming Fisk University 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; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind); Fisk University - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CAU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Fisk University (3.1).
• CAU has a higher acceptance rate (64.2%) than Fisk University (37.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

CAU vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Fisk 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).

• Fisk University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Clark Atlanta University's (41%).
• Graduates from Clark Atlanta University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fisk University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($26,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Fisk University graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($268 vs. $320).
• More Fisk University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (38% 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.