Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is a prestigious historically black university located in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1988 through the merger of Atlanta University and Clark College, CAU has a rich legacy of fostering academic excellence and leadership within the African American community. The university is known for its commitment to social justice, community service, and the holistic development of its students. Its motto, “We are the Builders of the Future,” underscores the institution's dedication to empowering students to make a positive impact in their communities and the world.

The campus culture at Clark Atlanta University is vibrant and inclusive, offering a wide range of student activities, organizations, and events that promote a sense of belonging and engagement. The university is home to a diverse student body, which enriches the academic experience and fosters cross-cultural understanding. CAU provides a variety of programs in fields such as business, education, public health, and the arts, ensuring that students have access to a well-rounded education. The faculty at CAU is comprised of experienced professionals and scholars dedicated to mentoring students and preparing them for successful careers. Additionally, the university's strategic location in Atlanta provides students with numerous opportunities for internships and employment, especially in industries like finance, technology, and the arts, making it a prime choice for those looking to thrive in a dynamic urban environment.

Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Retention at Clark Atlanta University

Clark Atlanta University, a private institution, has shown a significant trend in tuition increase over the years. From 2014 to 2024, the in-state undergraduate tuition rose from $21,100 to $26,446, reflecting an increase of approximately 25.4%. This trend mirrors the national concern regarding rising college costs, which can deter prospective students from pursuing higher education. Moreover, the increase in graduate tuition, which rose from $15,322 to $21,156 for in-state students, signifies a broader financial burden on students and their families.

In terms of academic success, the graduation rates for undergraduate students have fluctuated. The on-time graduation rate saw a peak of 33.8% in 2021 but has since declined to 27.9% in 2023. This decline raises questions about the factors contributing to student retention and academic performance, especially in light of the rising tuition costs. The 150% graduation rate also painted a concerning picture, starting at 43.1% in 2013 and declining to 42.4% in 2023.

Retention rates, however, have shown a more positive trend. From 61.7% in 2013, the retention rate increased to 70.8% in 2023, indicating that more students are choosing to continue their education at the university. This improvement in retention suggests that students may be finding value in their educational experience, potentially correlating with increased support services or community engagement initiatives.

Overall, these metrics underscore the challenges and opportunities faced by Clark Atlanta University. While rising tuition remains a critical issue, the gains in retention highlight the importance of fostering an environment that supports student success.

Analysis of Graduate Degree Trends at Clark Atlanta University in 2023

In 2023, Clark Atlanta University displayed diverse trends in graduate degrees across various fields. Notably, the Business Administration program stood out with 38 master's degree graduates, indicating a robust interest in business education, which is consistent with national trends emphasizing the importance of business acumen in today's job market. This aligns with reports suggesting that degrees in business remain among the most sought-after by employers, reinforcing the program's relevance.

Conversely, the Computer Science degree had a modest output with only six graduates, including three international students. This raises questions about the university's capacity to attract and retain students in STEM fields, especially given the growing demand for tech talent across industries. The national narrative surrounding the tech industry highlights a shortage of qualified candidates, suggesting that Clark Atlanta may need to enhance its recruitment strategies in this area to meet workforce demands.

In the realm of education, the university produced a total of 36 graduates across various education-related programs, including a noteworthy number in Educational Leadership and Administration. This reflects a commitment to preparing future educators and leaders, particularly in a time when the education sector faces significant challenges and requires innovative leadership.

The absence of international students in several programs, particularly in Psychology and the arts, suggests potential barriers to entry for foreign students, which the university might consider addressing to foster a more diverse academic environment. Overall, while the figures reflect strong programs in business and education, there is a clear opportunity for growth in technology and international recruitment to enhance the university's educational offerings and global competitiveness.

Analysis of Clark Atlanta University's Admission Trends and Rankings

Clark Atlanta University has experienced significant fluctuations in its national ranking and admission rates over the years. The latest ranking for 2025 shows a slight improvement at 352 compared to 361 in 2024, indicating a small but positive trend in the university's academic standing. However, when viewed over a longer period, the university's ranking has been on a downward trajectory from 230 in 2019 to its lowest point of 361 in 2024, suggesting challenges in maintaining its reputation and competitiveness. The admission rates for both male and female applicants reveal insights into the university's selectivity. In recent years, the acceptance rate for males has hovered around 51-59%, while females have a slightly higher acceptance rate, ranging from 55-61%. These figures reflect a broader trend in higher education where institutions are increasingly becoming selective, highlighting the importance of building a strong application profile. The enrollment numbers have also shown variability, with the most significant enrollment recorded at 1,123 in 2022. This peak enrollment could be attributed to various factors, including increased outreach efforts or enhanced programs that attract students. However, the high number of denials and deferrals suggests that while interest in the university remains, the institution may need to reassess its capacity and resources to accommodate a growing applicant pool. Overall, while Clark Atlanta University is making modest gains in its rankings, it faces ongoing challenges regarding selectivity and enrollment management. The trends observed indicate a need for strategic initiatives to enhance institutional reputation and improve student experience, which could ultimately contribute to better outcomes in future rankings and admissions.

Analysis of Admission Test Scores and Submission Rates at Clark Atlanta University

The data from Clark Atlanta University reveals significant trends in SAT and ACT score submissions over the years. From 2007 to 2023, there is a noticeable decline in the percentage of applicants submitting their SAT scores. For instance, in 2007, 70% of applicants submitted SAT scores, but by 2023, this figure plummeted to just 8%. This dramatic drop may reflect a growing trend among universities to adopt more holistic admissions processes or a shift in applicant preferences towards test-optional policies, which have gained momentum across the U.S. higher education landscape.

Looking at the scores themselves, the range of SAT reading scores, for example, has fluctuated from a low of 317 to a high of 552. The 25th percentile scores have also seen a general decline over the years, especially in the recent years, indicating that the minimum scores for admitted students are becoming less competitive.

The ACT scores reflect a similar pattern, with the 25th percentile scores showing a range from 17 to 22 in recent years. This decline may suggest that the university is either adjusting its admission criteria or responding to a wider pool of applicants with varying academic backgrounds.

Overall, the data indicates a shift in the admissions landscape at Clark Atlanta University, which could be indicative of broader trends in higher education, where factors beyond standardized testing are increasingly prioritized. This trend raises questions about the future of standardized testing in college admissions and its impact on access and equity in higher education.

Analysis of Student Demographics at Clark Atlanta University in 2023

In the 2023 academic year, Clark Atlanta University showcases a diverse student body, characterized by notable gender disparities. The undergraduate freshmen population comprises 1,157 students, with a significant majority of 78.3% being female. This trend continues among undergraduate sophomores, where 76.2% are women, indicating an overall strong female presence in the undergraduate demographic.

Conversely, the male representation is slightly higher in the undergraduate transfer student category, where 36.1% of the students are male. This suggests a potential shift in dynamics as students transition from other institutions. The graduate student population mirrors this trend, with 28.3% male and 71.7% female, reinforcing the prevalence of female students in higher education at Clark Atlanta.

Moreover, the data presents a limited insight into racial diversity within the student body. Though specific breakdowns for various demographics such as White, Asian, Latinx, Pacific Islander, African American, and international students remain sparse, the small numbers reported for certain categories indicate the need for further data collection to understand the full spectrum of diversity on campus.

Overall, Clark Atlanta University appears to be fostering an environment that supports female students, aligning with broader trends in higher education, where women's enrollment has outpaced men's in many institutions. However, enhancing racial and ethnic diversity remains a critical area for growth, which could enrich the educational experience for all students.

Demographic Trends at Clark Atlanta University: A Focus on Age Composition

The age composition data from Clark Atlanta University reveals significant insights into the student demographic landscape. A prominent observation is the overwhelming presence of younger students, particularly those aged 18-19, who constitute a staggering 72.5% of the total female student population. This trend highlights the university's appeal to traditional college-age students, likely due to its vibrant campus life and the resources available for younger learners.

Another noteworthy aspect is the distribution of male and female students across various age brackets. For instance, the 20-21 age group shows a balanced representation with 31.6% male and 68.4% female among the total students. This may reflect the broader trend in higher education where female enrollment has been steadily increasing over the years, often surpassing male enrollment in many institutions.

Interestingly, the data also indicates a gradual decline in student numbers as age increases, particularly in the 30-34 and 35-39 age groups, where both male and female populations are significantly lower. This could suggest that as individuals mature, they may prioritize work or family commitments over pursuing higher education.

The university’s efforts to attract non-traditional students, particularly those aged 25 and above, appear limited as evidenced by the small numbers in these cohorts. With the rising demand for lifelong learning and upskilling in today’s job market, there may be an opportunity for Clark Atlanta University to expand its offerings and support services for older students seeking to enhance their qualifications.

Overall, this demographic data paints a picture of a predominantly young and diverse student body, further emphasizing the need for tailored programs that cater to varying age groups and their unique educational needs.

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Clark Atlanta University

The data on international student enrollment at Clark Atlanta University over the years presents a fluctuating trend that reflects broader patterns in higher education. Starting from 2008, the percentage of international undergraduate students was relatively low, peaking at 5.88% in 2018. This increase during 2015 to 2018 aligns with a national surge in international students seeking higher education in the United States, driven by the reputation of American universities and the perception of quality education.

However, the enrollment numbers show a significant decline post-2018, with 2023 recording only 0.47% of undergraduates being international students. This reduction may be attributed to various factors, including stricter immigration policies, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and changing global circumstances that may deter students from studying abroad.

On the graduate level, while there was a notable increase in international students with a peak of 22.90% in 2018, similar downward trends are evident in subsequent years. The graduate enrollment fell to 3.49% in 2023, indicating a concerning decline in the university's appeal to international candidates.

It is crucial for Clark Atlanta University to reassess its international recruitment strategies, particularly in light of the competitive landscape of global higher education. Engaging in partnerships with international institutions, enhancing support services for international students, and promoting diversity may help revitalize the international student population, ensuring a more vibrant and diverse educational community in the years to come.

Here are some notable schools near Clark Atlanta University:

1. Spelman College - Ranked 40th in the 2025 US News rankings, Spelman College is a prestigious women's liberal arts college known for its commitment to academic excellence and leadership development among African American women.

2. Emory University - With a rank of 24, Emory University is a highly regarded research university that offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and is recognized for its strong emphasis on public service and community engagement.

3. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Ranked 33rd, Georgia Tech is a leading public research university, known for its engineering and technology programs, as well as its innovative research initiatives.

4. University of Georgia - With a rank of 46, the University of Georgia is a large public university that offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, and is known for its vibrant campus life and research opportunities.

5. Mercer University - Ranked 165th, Mercer University is a private university that offers a range of undergraduate and professional programs, with a strong emphasis on the liberal arts and health sciences.

These institutions contribute to the rich educational landscape surrounding Clark Atlanta University, providing students with numerous opportunities for academic collaboration and growth.

Analysis of Crime Statistics at Clark Atlanta University

The crime statistics at Clark Atlanta University over the past decade reveal a notable decline in the average crime rate per 1,000 students. From a high of 22.70 in 2013, the rate has decreased significantly, reaching a low of 2.22 in 2021. This downward trend indicates effective measures being taken by the university to enhance campus safety, particularly during the challenging years marked by the pandemic.

However, the data does show fluctuations, especially in recent years. For instance, after the significant drop in 2021, the crime rate increased again to 8.20 in 2023. This resurgence may warrant further investigation to understand underlying causes, such as changes in campus policies or external factors influencing student behavior.

The breakdown of criminal offenses reveals instances of serious crimes such as armed arrests and drug-related arrests, which, although still present, have generally been lower than in previous years. For example, while there were incidents of armed arrests in 2014 and 2019, the numbers appear to diminish significantly in recent years, suggesting improvements in crime prevention strategies.

Nonetheless, it is crucial to remain vigilant. The increase in crime in 2022 and 2023 could indicate emerging issues that need addressing. University officials must continue to prioritize student safety and well-being, adapting their strategies as necessary to maintain a safe campus environment.

For those interested in understanding how these crime rates are calculated, further information can be found at: Crime Rate Calculation.