About Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University sits in the heart of Atlanta with 3,482 students, making it one of the most well-known historically Black universities in the country. The school has built a strong reputation for business, communications, and arts programs since 1865. Notable graduates include filmmaker Spike Lee and actor Daveed Diggs, who show the creative talent this university develops. With a 56% acceptance rate and average SAT scores around 1000, Clark Atlanta looks for students ready to work hard in a supportive environment.
The money picture requires careful planning. Students pay an average net price of $35,115 after financial aid, though 69% receive some form of financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $42,712 ten years after college, which means many struggle to pay off their typical debt load of $27,000. The monthly loan payment averages $286, and only 31% of borrowers are successfully paying down their loans.
Women make up 77% of the student body, creating a unique campus active. The 69% retention rate suggests some students find the academic demands challenging, though the 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors can offer personal attention. Atlanta's job market helps explain the 91% employment rate after graduation.
The money picture requires careful planning. Students pay an average net price of $35,115 after financial aid, though 69% receive some form of financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $42,712 ten years after college, which means many struggle to pay off their typical debt load of $27,000. The monthly loan payment averages $286, and only 31% of borrowers are successfully paying down their loans.
Women make up 77% of the student body, creating a unique campus active. The 69% retention rate suggests some students find the academic demands challenging, though the 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors can offer personal attention. Atlanta's job market helps explain the 91% employment rate after graduation.
Academics & Faculty
Clark Atlanta University focuses on liberal arts education with particularly strong programs in business, communications, and arts. The school produces graduates who go on to careers in entertainment, media, and business, with notable alumni including filmmaker Spike Lee and Broadway director Kenny Leon. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students get more personal attention than at large state schools, though the 47.80% six-year graduation rate shows that success requires dedication and persistence. The university offers traditional four-year degree programs across multiple disciplines, but students should be prepared to work hard and take advantage of academic support services to reach graduation.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 63.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 47.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.8%
- Retention Rate
- 69.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,712
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $67,660 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $66,889 |
| Social Work. | Master | $43,030 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $42,682 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,068 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,941 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $36,401 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $33,993 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,405 |
Campus Life
Clark Atlanta University sits in the heart of Atlanta, putting you right in the middle of one of the South's biggest cities. The campus houses 2,650 students in dorms, which covers most of the 3,482 total enrollment. You'll experience Atlanta's humid subtropical climate, where winters rarely drop below freezing but summers can hit 90 degrees with sticky humidity. Pack light jackets for winter and plenty of summer clothes.
The student body is 77% women and 62% Black, creating a tight-knit HBCU community where everyone seems to know each other. With 16 students per faculty member, professors actually learn your name. Weekends often revolve around Atlanta's music scene, internship opportunities at major corporations like Coca-Cola and Delta, or cheering on the Panthers in NCAA Division II sports. The city offers everything from the Atlanta BeltLine to music venues in Little Five Points. About 76% of students come from out of state, so the campus becomes a second home where lifelong friendships form quickly.
The student body is 77% women and 62% Black, creating a tight-knit HBCU community where everyone seems to know each other. With 16 students per faculty member, professors actually learn your name. Weekends often revolve around Atlanta's music scene, internship opportunities at major corporations like Coca-Cola and Delta, or cheering on the Panthers in NCAA Division II sports. The city offers everything from the Atlanta BeltLine to music venues in Little Five Points. About 76% of students come from out of state, so the campus becomes a second home where lifelong friendships form quickly.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,650 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1865
Campus Safety (2023)
47 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 33°–53°F
- July Avg
- 70°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.5"
Student Demographics
Clark Atlanta draws students from across the country, with 76% coming from outside Georgia, showing its national reputation as an HBCU. Women make up 77% of the student body, which fits with the university's strong programs in business, communications, and social work that traditionally attract more female students. About 69% of students receive Pell Grants, meaning Clark Atlanta serves many first-generation college students and families seeking economic mobility. The student body is primarily Black students who come here for the supportive HBCU environment and strong alumni network in fields like media and business.
- Men
- 23.0%
- Women
- 77.0%
- White
- 0.3%
- Black
- 62.4%
- Hispanic
- 1.5%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- In-State Students
- 23.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 69.1%
Location
Clark Atlanta University sits in the heart of Atlanta, one of the South's largest cities with over 500,000 people. The campus is part of the Atlanta University Center, the world's largest group of historically Black colleges and universities all located within a few miles of each other. Students have access to internships at major corporations like Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines, both headquartered in Atlanta. The city offers professional sports teams, music venues, and a thriving job market that helps explain why 76.34% of students come from out of state. Atlanta's warm climate and position as a cultural center for Black America makes it a draw for students nationwide. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Clark Atlanta University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Atlanta, Georgia 30314-4391
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,712
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,256
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 31.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Clark Atlanta University?
Clark Atlanta University accepts 56.26% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1000. The historically Black university draws students nationwide for its strong business and communications programs.
How much does Clark Atlanta University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $35,115 annually at Clark Atlanta University. About 69.10% of students receive financial aid, with graduates carrying a median debt of $27,000.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Clark Atlanta University?
Clark Atlanta University maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio with 3,482 total students. The private Methodist university is well-known for producing leaders in business, arts, and media communications.
What are the graduation rates at Clark Atlanta University?
Clark Atlanta University graduates 47.80% of students within six years and retains 69.20% of first-year students. Alumni earn a median salary of $42,712 ten years after graduation, with notable graduates including filmmaker Spike Lee.
Where is Clark Atlanta University located and what is campus life like?
Clark Atlanta University sits in Atlanta, Georgia, housing 2,650 students on campus. The Panthers compete in NCAA Division II athletics with 10 varsity sports and award $3.1 million in athletic scholarships.
What makes Clark Atlanta University unique as an HBCU?
Clark Atlanta University serves as a historically Black university where women comprise 77.02% of the student body and 62.38% of students are Black. Founded in 1865 by the United Methodist Church, it has produced influential alumni in entertainment and theater including Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon.
