CAU vs. Mississippi Valley State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA with Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Mississippi Valley State University based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 2,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Mississippi Valley State University is in Itta Bena, MS (Remote Town setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mississippi Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Mississippi Valley State University 13:1.

CAU vs. Mississippi Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Mississippi Valley State 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 Mississippi Valley State University than CAU ($10,232 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mississippi Valley State University are 29.7% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($8,956 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 268% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mississippi Valley State University (about $20,618 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $7,692.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 268% higher at CAU than at Mississippi Valley State University (about $20,618 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $7,692.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mississippi Valley State University than at Clark Atlanta University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark Atlanta University students is 13.9% larger than aid received by Mississippi Valley State University students ($12,453 vs. $10,933).

CAU vs. Mississippi Valley State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CAU or Mississippi Valley State 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 Mississippi Valley State University and CAU.

• Incoming CAU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Mississippi Valley State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Mississippi Valley State University 13/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Mississippi Valley State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CAU students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Mississippi Valley State University (2.9).
• Mississippi Valley State University has a higher acceptance rate (92.4%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 32.3% at Mississippi Valley State University.

CAU vs. Mississippi Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Mississippi Valley State 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).

• Clark Atlanta University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Mississippi Valley State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Clark Atlanta University earn a median of about $11,800 more per year than Mississippi Valley State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $26,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mississippi Valley State University graduates have a $1,664 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($29,336 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Mississippi Valley State University graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($303 vs. $320).
• More Mississippi Valley State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (35% 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.