Founded in 1988, Clark Atlanta University. is a Private college. Located in Georgia, which is a city setting in Georgia, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 3,093 full time undergraduate students, and 791 full time graduate students.
The Clark Atlanta University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 19:1. There are 176 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Clark Atlanta University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
71%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
35
SAT Range
820-970
ACT Range
18-21
Admissions at CAU are considered Selective, with ,130% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 9 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
68% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 29% were in the top quarter, and 11% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Clark Atlanta University.
2%
“We”re apathetic”
16%
“We know about current events and vote”
68%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
14%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
4%
“We save it for the classroom”
16%
“Sometimes, but not often”
37%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
42%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
31%
“I only go out in groups”
46%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
22%
“I feel extremely safe”
8%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
15%
“We bought the gear”
77%
“We live for the big game”
10%
“It”s not really our thing”
12%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
45%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
33%
“We”re a very artistic group”
8%
“Haven”t met them”
11%
“Available in class”
54%
“They keep regular office hours”
27%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
10%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
77%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
12%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
263 Students rated on-campus housing 3.3 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
182 Students rated off-campus housing 3.5 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
269 Students rated campus food 3.2 stars. 20 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
266 Students rated campus facilities 3.8 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
265 Students rated class size 4.3 stars. 51 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
263 Students rated school activities 4.2 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
266 Students rated local services 4.2 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
265 Students rated academics 3.7 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.
Clark Atlanta University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Clark Atlanta University?
124 Students rated Clark Atlanta University
Araya
Prospective04/24/2025
What makes me want to attend Clark Atlanta University is because it is more than just a school to me. Since I grew up in a predominantly white community being able to learn at Clark would mean that I would be able to learn next to kids and learn from teachers who look just like me. Be by people who share similar experiences and who can inspire me to grow personally and academically. It is a place where I won't be diminished because of stereotypes my current teachers already have on me because of my skin. The unique legacy, culture on campus, representation and pride is exactly what I want.
Something that sticks out to me personally is there motto: “ill find a way or make one”. These words that hang onside of the school are words that embody a mindset of perseverance and determination. This will be a motto that I will carry with me throughout my life as it perfectly aligns with how I want to attack my challenges and life goals.
LaTwiya
College04/23/2025
Clark Atlanta's professors, faculty, and staff were the best at helping me pursue my education.
samori
College04/23/2025
Clark Atlanta University is currently a backup option for me because while I appreciate its strong academic offerings, especially in areas like social sciences and business, I feel like it doesn't quite align with my top priorities. The campus life seems vibrant, with plenty of activities and organizations to get involved in, which is definitely appealing.
However, to make it my top choice, I’d love to see more emphasis on hands-on learning opportunities, like internships or research programs that directly connect with my career goals. If they could enhance their support for students looking to gain real-world experience, it would definitely elevate my interest. Overall, I think it has a lot of potential, but I’m just looking for that extra spark to really draw me in!
ECDempsey
Prospective04/22/2025
Nothing I have chosen my college
Maloni
Prospective04/22/2025
I am interested in attending Clark Atlanta University because of its strong commitment to empowering students through a culture of leadership, service, and academic excellence. The university’s rich history as part of the Atlanta University Center Consortium and its emphasis on fostering Black excellence deeply resonate with my goals. I am especially excited about the hands-on opportunities offered through programs like the Mass Media Arts Department and the vibrant campus community that encourages both personal growth and social change. Clark Atlanta feels like a place where I can thrive academically, creatively, and culturally.
Latrece
Prospective04/22/2025
What draws me to Clark Atlanta University is the culture and location. The features that would make this my first school choice is if they have medical programs or dermatology programs
Brandon
Prospective04/20/2025
i havent visited
Amber
Prospective04/19/2025
Clark Atlanta University holds a special place in my heart because it is all that I believe education should be—empowering, community-oriented, and founded in Black excellence. I am a proud Black lesbian young woman who adores mental health, advocacy, and creating spaces for others to thrive, and Clark Atlanta feels to me like something more than a university. Clark Atlanta is a purpose launchpad.
What most appeals to me about CAU is its history of graduates who are not only successful individually but bring the entire community along with them. The university's emphasis on social justice, activism, and amplifying the historically silenced voices speaks directly to my own. I am specifically attracted to CAU's psychology major and its focus on preparing students to be culturally competent, empathetic practitioners—which is something I plan to carry with me throughout my career as a psychologist of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC youth.
Clark campus life also amazes me. There is this sense of pride, imagination, and togetherness that I have never felt anywhere but in HBCUs. With the vibrant student organizations and powerful networking opportunities within the Atlanta University Center, I know I will be among peers and mentors who will challenge me, inspire me, and hail every part of me.
Finally, I want to go to Clark Atlanta University because it notices me. Not only for what I can do academically, but for my entire journey—and I am prepared to pen the next chapter there.
Mariah
Prospective04/15/2025
Clark Atlanta University is undoubtedly a distinguished institution with a rich history, offering a diverse and dynamic environment for its students. As a top HBCU, Clark Atlanta provides rigorous academic programs that emphasize the development of leadership, scholarship, and social responsibility. The university excels in areas like business, arts, and social sciences, attracting students interested in making a significant impact in their communities and beyond. I’m particularly drawn to its strong emphasis on community engagement and service, which is something I value deeply.
However, when compared to Virginia State University, I find that VSU’s emphasis on communication and media programs; especially with my own focus on Journalism and Cinema Studies; aligns more closely with my academic and professional goals. While Clark Atlanta offers quality education in these areas, Virginia State provides a broader range of resources, mentorship, and specialized programs that I feel would foster my growth more directly. Additionally, the vibrant, student-driven campus life at VSU; including numerous opportunities for creative expression through film and media clubs; stands out as an environment where I can fully immerse myself in my passions.
That said, Clark Atlanta has immense potential. By expanding its media-focused offerings and creating more platforms for creative collaboration, it could undoubtedly elevate its appeal to students like myself who are eager to dive deep into the world of storytelling and media production.
Shanyce
Prospective04/11/2025
In short: Clark Atlanta has heart and pride, but it needs to improve resources, expand programs, and upgrade facilities to truly compete with top-tier HBCUs and other universities.
Christlyn
Prospective04/08/2025
When it comes to Clark Atlanta University, its culture, history, and student body excite me. Clark Atlanta is not just a regular HBCU, the uplifting and encouraging culture of the community is like no other. To be a Clark Atlanta Panther is to be your best self to the fullest potential. Being the only university in the AUC, Clark Atlanta stands out and pushes its students to go beyond four years of college education without having to leave the Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard. I am inspired to pursue my career of psychology through Clark Atlanta and continue my passion of helping young children through hardship. Clark Atlanta feels like home, and I cannot wait to step into the next chapter of my life while attending.
Chloe
Prospective04/08/2025
Clark Atlanta University is honestly a fire backup option for me. If I don’t end up going to Prairie View A&M, Clark would still be a place where I know I’d grow and thrive. The culture is rich, the pride is strong, and the students there carry themselves like they know they’re destined for greatness. That kind of energy? I want to be around it.
If I went to Clark, I’d definitely be active on campus. I could see myself joining a sorority—just being part of a sisterhood that uplifts and empowers women is something I’ve always wanted. I’d also get involved in academic and athletic clubs to challenge myself, and join leadership and entrepreneurial organizations so I can keep leveling up and turning my ideas into real impact. I want to lead, grow, and surround myself with other driven students doing big things.
Clark has so many opportunities for that, and that’s what makes it such an attractive choice. The only reason it’s not my first is because it’s not in Texas. After moving three times in high school and finally being close to my mom, I know staying in-state is what’s best for both of us. Prairie View A&M gives me that same HBCU experience while still keeping me close to home.
But overall, I’d give Clark a 9/10. If it were closer, no doubt it would be right up there at the top.
Amira
Prospective04/07/2025
I'm so happy I got accepted to this University. It has brought me great honor to join your University and flourish.
Heaven
03/10/2025
I believe that Clark Atlanta University is an intellectual as well as an social university. That can provide students with opportunities through housing and campus activities to engage and further their college experience. Many students love it at clark atlanta and for good reason because it is a good school.
Zori
01/01/2025
Greetings, I am Zori Caldwell a freshman biology major and my time at the luxious Clark Atlanta University has been the best few months of my life. It's more than a college, we created a family at this institution. Everyone encourages each other, which is one of the things I love about my school.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Clark Atlanta University is 71%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
As a first year college student, adapting to the new environment wasn't easy. Being on my own and not having any rules to follow was an adventure for me. I didn't always manage my time in the most responsible way. I would wait until the last minute to finish an assignment which would cause me to stay up to about 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning while having a class at 8am. If I could go back in time, I would have told myself to manage my time better and to put my school work before my friends. In some occasions, I did not put my school work before my relaxing time which caused a lot of stress on me because I was trying to make sure that I would receive a good grade on the assignment and get it done in time. Managing time is one of the most important things you need to know before entering college. If I were to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself it is okay to have fun but your school work is more important.
There isn't a specific type of person that should attend any type of school but there are some things that stands out to people about different schools. Some things that are common at Clark Atlanta University are students who are African-American because this school is an HBCU. Also someone who likes to attend a private school that contains fewer students than most universities.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
The most frustrating thing about Clark Atlanta University is the amount of events that the University requires freshmen students to attend. Events can sometimes get too crowded and unorganized.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
What's really unique about Clark Atlanta University is that, not only are we the only University in the Atlanta University Center (AUC), but we are also the only HBCU in the AUC that became consolidated by two schools (Clark College and Atlanta University) in 1988. You won't hear information about that at Morehouse College or Spelman College.
My overall opinion of this school is it gives students a great college experience because it offers the chance to socialize but also excel academically and learn more about black history.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
94% of students attending Clark Atlanta University receive some sort of financial aid.
74% were awarded federal grants.89%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.