At $35,115/yr net price, Clark Atlanta University graduates earn $42,712/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,712/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $35,115 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $140,460 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,712/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,712/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 16.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $33,555/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $34,611/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $37,249/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $38,230/yr |
| $110,001+ | $39,940/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $67,660 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $66,889 | $57,519 |
| Social Work. | Master | $43,030 | $75,507 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $42,682 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,068 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,941 | |
| Public Administration. | Master | $36,401 | $56,556 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $33,993 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,405 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
47.8% of students at Clark Atlanta University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Clark Atlanta University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $42,712 falling well short of justifying the $35,115 annual net price. The 47% graduation rate means more than half of students leave without a degree, making this a high-risk investment.
Educational Administration and Business Administration programs offer the strongest earning potential at around $67,000, but even these require careful planning since Business Administration graduates carry debt loads up to $57,519. Social Work graduates face a particularly poor financial outlook, earning just $43,030 while shouldering $75,507 in debt.
The low retention rate of 69% signals academic and financial struggles that increase your risk of leaving without a degree. With 69% of students receiving financial aid, the school does provide substantial assistance, but this doesn't overcome the fundamental mismatch between costs and career outcomes for most majors.
Clark Atlanta makes financial sense only if you're pursuing Educational Administration or Business Administration and can secure significant merit aid or have family financial support. Students interested in social services fields should consider more affordable options, as the debt-to-income ratio will create long-term financial stress.
If you're committed to attending, focus on business programs and graduate on time to avoid additional debt accumulation. Students without clear career plans or those considering lower-paying fields should look at less expensive alternatives that offer better graduation rates and job placement support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clark Atlanta University worth the cost?
Clark Atlanta University's graduates earn $42,712 annually after 10 years, which is low relative to the $35,115 yearly cost. With a 48% graduation rate and $27,000 median debt, the financial return is poor for most students.
What are the best paying majors at Clark Atlanta University?
Educational Administration graduates earn the highest at $67,660, followed by some Business Administration tracks at $66,889. Most other programs, including Social Work at $43,030, offer limited earning potential relative to the school's cost.
How much debt do Clark Atlanta University students graduate with?
The median debt load is $27,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with low post-graduation earnings averaging $42,712, many graduates will struggle to repay loans quickly.
Does Clark Atlanta University have good financial aid?
The net price of $35,115 per year remains high even after financial aid. Nearly half of students don't graduate, making the investment particularly risky for those who don't complete their degree.