CAU vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

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

Kennesaw State University is larger than CAU based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 4,252 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

CAU vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or KSU? 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 Kennesaw State University than CAU ($15,636 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark Atlanta University are 4.1% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($12,748 vs. $13,287).
• Clark Atlanta University is 387.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $22,502 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.6% higher at CAU than at Kennesaw State University (about $10,574 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kennesaw State University than at Clark Atlanta University (92% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark Atlanta University students is 51.4% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($12,453 vs. $8,223).

CAU vs. KSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kennesaw State University (1110) is 110 points higher than at CAU (1000).
• Incoming KSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at CAU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind); KSU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027; KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman KSU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at CAU (3.28).
• KSU has a higher acceptance rate (69.2%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 38% at KSU.

CAU vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and KSU? 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).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kennesaw State University graduates have a $9,800 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($21,200 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($219 vs. $320).
• More KSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.