CAU vs. Pfeiffer University

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than Pfeiffer University based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 889 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Pfeiffer University is in Misenheimer, NC (Distant Rural setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pfeiffer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; Pfeiffer University 11:1.

CAU vs. Pfeiffer University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer University than CAU ($19,660 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark Atlanta University are 0.8% lower than at Pfeiffer University ($12,748 vs. $12,850).
• Pfeiffer University is 23.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than CAU (about $6,760 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $28,310.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.9% higher at Pfeiffer University than at Clark Atlanta University (about $6,760 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $28,310.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pfeiffer University than at Clark Atlanta University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pfeiffer University students is 108.4% larger than aid received by Clark Atlanta University students ($25,951 vs. $12,453).

CAU vs. Pfeiffer University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pfeiffer University (1030) is 30 points higher than at CAU (1000).
• Incoming Pfeiffer 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; Pfeiffer University 891/1165.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; Pfeiffer University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; Pfeiffer University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027; Pfeiffer University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CAU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Pfeiffer University (3.18).
• Pfeiffer University has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 13.7% at Pfeiffer University.

CAU vs. Pfeiffer University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and Pfeiffer 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).

• Pfeiffer University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Clark Atlanta University's (41%).
• Graduates from Pfeiffer University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than CAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,100 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have a $8,601 lower median loan debt than CAU graduates ($22,399 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have an estimated $89 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CAU graduates ($231 vs. $320).
• More Pfeiffer University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CAU students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.