Clark Atlanta University is a private institution that came to be in 1988 with the merging of Atlanta University, solely a graduate school, and Clark University, an undergraduate liberal arts school. Today, Clark Atlanta offers undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees, as well as certificate programs. The co-ed institution sits on 126 acres in the heart of Atlanta.
The largest member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the largest institution in the Atlanta University Center, CAU has maintained itself as a historically black university. In the friendly, urban community of Atlanta, students will not find themselves short of culture or heritage.
Clark Atlanta University
Academics
Clark Atlanta is a private institution and both in-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate. Undergraduate tuition and fees, as of the 2010-2011 school year, were $17,954. The institution is made up of four separate schools, the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Education and School of Social Work. Thirty-eight different areas of study are offered, the most popular among undergrads being biological and biomedical sciences; business, management, and marketing; communication and journalism; psychology; and visual and performing arts.
Many Clark Atlanta classes have 20 or fewer students, and almost all have less than 50. Smaller class sizes means more interaction with students and professors, something that is less common at larger, public institutions. Clark Atlanta ranked as a Tier 2 university in the 2011 edition of Best Colleges. Its graduate school programs in both Public Affairs and Social Work were ranked, #165 and #128 respectively. CAU promotes international education and allows interested students to study at another university while continuing to be enrolled at CAU.
Students have many opportunities to study abroad since the institution is a member of several consortia- the University Center of Georgia, DIS, CIEE, CCIS, and IES. This means students are able to apply to programs outside of the university, usually at no additional cost, giving CAU students access to programs all over the world. The school also sponsors a special mass media arts program that takes place in Jamaica during the summer. Incoming freshman that meet the requirements, may also take place in a summer study abroad program the summer prior to beginning their first semester.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Clark Atlanta University.
There are two application deadlines: one for fall admission, and one for spring. In-state, out-of-state and international students all follow the same admission deadlines and an application fee is required for all applicants. The school accepts either the SAT or ACT for admission. The TOEFL test cannot be used in exchange of the SAT or ACT, but is required for international students, unless they attended a school where their classes were taught in English.
Although admission interviews are not required at CAU, in an attempt to gain a better insight of the prospective student, letters from the student’s high school counselor and one of the student’s teachers are required. Applicants can choose from two topics to write their 500-word essay on, another requirement for admission. Transfer students can be admitted at any semester during the year but must have completed a minimum of 12 credits and hold a GPA of at least 2.5.
Financial Aid
At Clark Atlanta University, nearly all undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid. Be ready to send information for financial aid earlier in the year. In an attempt to provide easy access for applicants, the entire financial aid process can be done online. The school also uses its online student portal to communicate information, such as how much aid will be awarded, as soon as a month after application deadlines. Students that fill out their FAFSA application are also able to apply for scholarships. Academic achievement and a high SAT or ACT score are the major factors in eligibility for scholarships.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
Clark Atlanta University 928th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Georgia scholarships and financial aid
Clark Atlanta consists of a predominantly African American student body. CAU attracts many out-of-state students, but very few internationally. The average freshman retention rate is 69.5 percent, showing that the majority of freshmen are satisfied with their experience at the university. This may be due in a large part to the students’ high involvement on campus and a dominant Greek system.
The school has over 80 organizations and special interest clubs on campus, including four fraternities and four sororities. Almost all students are members of either a fraternity or sorority. All students with less than 58 credit hours are required to live on campus. The university feels this on-campus housing requirement benefits the students’ future at the university. After 58 credit hours are obtained, many students live off campus and about half of students have a car on campus. Although not always mandatory, it is common at many universities for freshman and sophomores to use campus housing and then move off campus later on in their studies.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Clark Atlanta University?
Clark Atlanta University Panthers are part of the NCAA II athletic conference. Their colors are red and black. They also have SIAC varsity teams in baseball, men and women’s basketball, cheerleading, cross country, track and field, football, softball, tennis and volleyball. As with the campus organizations, students are highly encouraged to participate in university athletics. In the summer, football coaches and players participate in a skills camp for the youth. This camp is just one of the many ways the university and athletics department reaches out to the community.
Alumni
Clark Atlanta’s Office of Alumni Relations and Development serves as the direct liaison between the school and its 30,000 alumni. Not unlike most universities, they also have an Alumni Association for which events are held throughout the year.
Clark Atlanta University
Additional School Information
The university is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and makes reference to religious standards in its code of conduct. In hopes of cultivating a sense of communal pride, students at CAU take a pledge committing themselves to the university’s standards.
Mission: Clark Atlanta University is an institution of high research activity characterized by a focus on the intellectual and personal development of each student. Its purpose is to prepare a diverse community of learners to excel in their chosen endeavors and to become responsible, productive, and innovative citizen leaders, locally and globally. This outcome is accomplished by the provision of access to and excellence in teaching, research, service, and creative activities through continuous engagement in an enriched, challenging, and nurturing environment.
Bibliography
“Clark Atlanta University.” US News & World Report. 2011. US News. 18 May 2011 <http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/clark-atlanta-university-1551>.
Clark Atlanta University. 18 May 2011 <http://www.cau.edu/>.
Campus Crime Statistics
Ranks 33rd in Georgia and
561st overall
on StateUniversity.com‘s Safe School Index
Feel free to add comments or additional information regarding Clark Atlanta University, or discuss this school in the University Discussion Forum
almost 2 years agoMerriel Brooks Brooksmerriel23 ((at)) gmail dot com
Hi my name is Merriel Brooks, I'm a Junior this year and i Live in hawaii I have a few Question. I was wondering if i could be able to major in nursing and minor in music at Clark Atlanta or Would I have to get my Minor in Music there and then study science and then go to a doctoral school
about 3 years agoC.S. Lee cslee ((at)) global-textile dot net
To be presented an award....the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Well I know I'm proud!! What a message this sends about Clark University. Let's all hold up and honor one who asks his God to damn the United States of America!!
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Brooksmerriel23 ((at)) gmail dot com
Hi my name is Merriel Brooks, I'm a Junior this year and i Live in hawaii I have a few Question. I was wondering if i could be able to major in nursing and minor in music at Clark Atlanta or Would I have to get my Minor in Music there and then study science and then go to a doctoral school