Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Clark Atlanta University Worth It?
At a value score of 14/100, Clark Atlanta University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $42,712 — 21% below average — while paying $37,702/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 3.5-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 48% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 63% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Clark Atlanta University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Clark Atlanta University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #36 of 40 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #2 | Harding University | 42 | $22,130 | $52,876 |
| #3 | Stetson University | 42 | $19,372 | $51,642 |
| #4 | Franciscan University of Steubenville | 40 | $23,589 | $50,030 |
| #5 | Trevecca Nazarene University | 40 | $16,813 | $49,378 |
| #6 | Olivet Nazarene University | 39 | $20,729 | $53,213 |
| #36 | Clark Atlanta University | 14 | $37,702 | $42,712 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Clark Atlanta University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Clark Atlanta University
The highest-earning program at Clark Atlanta University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $35,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $19,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Clark Atlanta University earns $35,000, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $19,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $31,000 in median debt vs. $31,000 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $37,702/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $35,000 | $35,000 | $31,000 |
| Biology, General | $24,400 | $24,400 | $29,225 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $23,600 | $23,600 | $31,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $22,100 | $22,100 | N/A |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $20,900 | $20,900 | $30,500 |
| Psychology, General | $19,900 | $19,900 | $31,000 |
Similar Colleges in GA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Atlanta, GA
- Student Body
- 3,603 students
- Admission Rate
- 64%
- Graduation Rate
- 48%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $37,702
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,712
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000