Overview of Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is a historically black university located in Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 1988 through the consolidation of two historically black institutions, Atlanta University (AU, founded in 1865) and Clark College (CC, founded in 1869), CAU has a rich history of providing a transformative education to African American students. The university is part of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, which includes other historically black institutions such as Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Morehouse School of Medicine.
History and Founding: The roots of Clark Atlanta University can be traced back to the establishment of Atlanta University in 1865 by the American Missionary Association. Atlanta University aimed to provide higher education to newly freed slaves and became a center for African American education and scholarship. Clark College was founded in 1869 by the Freedmen’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church and served as a beacon of educational opportunity in the South. In 1988, the consolidation of these two institutions formed Clark Atlanta University.
Campus and Facilities: Clark Atlanta University’s campus is situated in the heart of Atlanta, providing students with access to the cultural, economic, and social opportunities of the city. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including academic facilities, residence halls, and recreational spaces. The university’s location in a major urban center enhances the overall student experience.
Academic Programs: CAU offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. The university is organized into multiple schools and colleges, including the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business Administration, the School of Education and Social Policy, and the Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work. Academic programs at CAU emphasize academic excellence, critical thinking, and a commitment to social justice.
Faculty and Research: Clark Atlanta University has a diverse and accomplished faculty dedicated to teaching, research, and community engagement. Faculty members contribute to scholarly advancements in their respective fields and play a vital role in shaping the academic experiences of CAU students. The university supports research initiatives that address pressing societal issues and contribute to the broader body of knowledge.
Community Engagement and Social Justice: CAU has a strong commitment to community engagement and social justice. The university encourages students to participate in service-learning projects, internships, and initiatives that address social issues. Through its academic and extracurricular activities, CAU strives to instill a sense of responsibility, activism, and social consciousness among its students.
Student Life: Clark Atlanta University offers a vibrant and dynamic student life experience. With numerous student organizations, clubs, and events, students have opportunities to engage in cultural, recreational, and leadership activities. The university values the holistic development of its students and provides a supportive community where individuals can explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and build lasting connections.
Athletics: CAU competes in NCAA Division II athletics as a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). The Panthers, CAU’s athletic teams, participate in a variety of sports, contributing to the overall campus spirit. The university places importance on the holistic development of its student-athletes, emphasizing both academic achievement and athletic success.
Arts and Culture: Clark Atlanta University has a rich tradition in the arts and culture. The university’s commitment to fostering creativity and expression is evident in its support for the visual and performing arts. Students have opportunities to engage in artistic pursuits, whether through fine arts programs, music ensembles, or theatrical productions.
Global Perspectives: Recognizing the importance of global perspectives, CAU encourages students to explore study abroad programs, international collaborations, and exposure to diverse cultures. The university’s commitment to global awareness prepares students for success in an interconnected world and promotes a broad understanding of global issues.
Alumni Success: The success of Clark Atlanta University is reflected in the achievements of its alumni, who have made significant contributions in various fields, including business, education, the arts, and social activism. The university maintains a strong alumni network, providing opportunities for networking, mentorship, and continued involvement in the life of the university.
Challenges and Resilience: Like many institutions, Clark Atlanta University faces challenges, including changes in higher education dynamics and financial considerations. The university’s resilience and commitment to its mission have been crucial in navigating these challenges. Efforts to secure funding, foster partnerships, and adapt to the evolving needs of its diverse student body are ongoing.
Clark Atlanta University stands as a distinguished institution with a rich history, a commitment to academic excellence, and a focus on social justice. With its vibrant campus life, strong emphasis on community engagement, and dedication to preparing students for leadership roles, CAU continues to play a vital role in the higher education landscape, particularly for African American students.
223 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314
Phone: (800) 688-3228
Email: cauadmissions@cau.edu
Web site: http://www.cau.edu
Rankings: Clark Atlanta University
Located in Atlanta, GA, Clark Atlanta University is one of the best universities in the state of Georgia. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Clark Atlanta University in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Clark Atlanta University.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.2 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 230 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 70.0% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 45.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 35% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | 10 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 256 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 38.3% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 4.9% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 14:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 87.9% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 253 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 830-970 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | N/A |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | N/A |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 56.6% |
| Financial resources rank: | 179 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 178 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 8.5% |
Essential Facts: Clark Atlanta University
- Clark Atlanta University offers 28 distinct undergraduate degrees, concentrated into 27 majors within 16 broad fields of study.
- Clark Atlanta University is a good school to go to if you want a close relationship with your professors and other faculty.
- The average high school GPA of the admitted freshman class at Clark Atlanta University was 3.05 on the 4.0 scale indicating that primarily B students are accepted and ultimately attend.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 27% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 2% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 3% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 80% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 50% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | No |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance mandatory, class attendance policies set by individual instructors, dress/hair code, honor code, hazing prohibited, smoking prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA II |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | baseball, basketball, cross country, football, track and field (outdoor) |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | basketball, cross country, softball, tennis, track and field (outdoor), volleyball |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, marching band, music ensembles, musical theater, opera, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student film society, symphony orchestra, television station, yearbook |