CAU vs. South Carolina State University

Comparable Facts

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

Clark Atlanta University is larger than South Carolina State University based on total student enrollment (4,252 students vs. 3,242 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); South Carolina State University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Clark Atlanta University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. South Carolina State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clark Atlanta University 16:1; South Carolina State University 19:1.

CAU vs. South Carolina State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CAU or South Carolina 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 South Carolina State University than CAU ($17,965 vs. $31,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Carolina State University are 29.4% lower than at Clark Atlanta University ($9,000 vs. $12,748).
• Clark Atlanta University is 156% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Carolina State University (about $17,250 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $11,060.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.2% higher at CAU than at South Carolina State University (about $6,560 more per year; $28,310.00 vs. $21,750.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Carolina State University than at Clark Atlanta University (95% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark Atlanta University students is 7.5% larger than aid received by South Carolina State University students ($12,453 vs. $11,579).

CAU vs. South Carolina State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CAU or South Carolina 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 South Carolina State University and CAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark Atlanta University (1000) is 70 points higher than at South Carolina State University (930).
• Incoming CAU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at South Carolina State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 880/1120; South Carolina State University 800/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clark Atlanta University 16/20; South Carolina State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CAU - Test optional; South Carolina State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CAU Apr 1, 2027; South Carolina State University Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CAU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at South Carolina State University (3.17).
• South Carolina State University has a higher acceptance rate (82.6%) than CAU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.7% at CAU vs. 11.4% at South Carolina State University.

CAU vs. South Carolina State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CAU and South Carolina 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 South Carolina State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Clark Atlanta University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than South Carolina State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clark Atlanta University graduates have a $2,205 lower median loan debt than South Carolina State University graduates ($31,000 vs. $33,205).
• Among borrowers, CAU graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Carolina State University graduates ($320 vs. $343).
• More CAU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Carolina State University students, three years after graduation. (30% vs. 27%)

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.