Clark Atlanta University is a private Historically Black research university in Atlanta, Georgia. US News 2026 ranks Clark Atlanta University #16 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States. CAU also sits #329 on the National Universities list, which groups US doctoral research schools nationwide.
Clark Atlanta University was formed in 1988 through the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College. Programmes are taught in English across four schools: business, arts and sciences, education and social work. The university enrolls nearly 4,000 students across masters, doctoral and undergraduate levels. Indian applicants access Fall and Spring intakes with a full GRE and GMAT waiver in place since 2020.
- Ranking: #16 HBCU and #329 National University (US News 2026)
- Acceptance Rate: 55% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- PG Annual Tuition: $33,330 (₹31.89 lakh) for a standard 30-credit load
- Total Enrolment: nearly 4,000 students across four schools
- Median Income (10-year): $38,400 per year (₹36.74 lakh) per federal scorecard data
Also Check: MS Universities in USA for Indian Students
Compared with other universities in USA, Clark Atlanta University charges the same tuition rate to international and domestic applicants without a surcharge. The university offers named institutional scholarships alongside external funding routes for Indian students. F-1 visa applicants apply through the CAU I-20 process and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before consular interview. Post-degree work windows include 12 months of OPT and a 24-month STEM OPT extension for eligible programmes.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹95.69 as of July 2026
Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). Undergraduate Regular Decision closes 01 March 2027 and graduate applications close 01 April 2027. Spring 2027 applications for both undergraduate and graduate levels close 01 November 2026, so applicants targeting an earlier start should file within weeks.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Clark Atlanta University 2027
- Clark Atlanta University Admission 2027
- Clark Atlanta University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Clark Atlanta University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Clark Atlanta University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Clark Atlanta University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Clark Atlanta University Scholarships 2027
- Clark Atlanta University Rankings 2027
- Clark Atlanta University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Clark Atlanta University vs Peer Universities
- Clark Atlanta University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Clark Atlanta University 2027
Clark Atlanta University tuition uses a flat per-year rate for undergraduate applicants and a per-credit-hour rate for graduate applicants. Full-time postgraduate loads run 24 to 30 credit hours per year across masters and doctoral tracks. Applicants comparing MBA universities in USA often shortlist CAU alongside larger doctoral research schools for its Atlanta business network.
Top Postgraduate Programmes at Clark Atlanta University 2027
The 10 postgraduate programmes below span 30 to 60 credit hours over two years. Total tuition uses the $1,111 (₹1.06 lakh) per credit hour rate multiplied by programme credits. Add annual mandatory fees of $2,638 (₹2.52 lakh) for each full-time academic year.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | $39,996 | 38.27 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Computer Science | $33,330 | 31.89 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| Master of Social Work (MSW) | $66,660 | 63.79 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MA African American Studies | $33,330 | 31.89 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MA Africana Women’s Studies | $33,330 | 31.89 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MA History | $33,330 | 31.89 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MA English | $33,330 | 31.89 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MEd Curriculum and Instruction | $36,663 | 35.08 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| PhD Humanities | $66,660 | 63.79 lakh | Master’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| PhD Educational Leadership | $66,660 | 63.79 lakh | Master’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
Top Undergraduate Programmes at Clark Atlanta University 2027
Bachelor’s degrees run 4 years at a flat annual tuition of $27,962 (₹26.76 lakh) plus mandatory fees of $3,578 (₹3.42 lakh). A full undergraduate degree totals roughly $126,160 (₹120.72 lakh) in tuition and fees alone.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA Fashion Design and Merchandising | $126,160 | 120.72 lakh | Class 12 with 55% to 65% (recommended) |
| BS Business Administration | $126,160 | 120.72 lakh | Class 12 with 55% to 65% (recommended) |
| BA Mass Media Arts | $126,160 | 120.72 lakh | Class 12 with 55% to 65% (recommended) |
| BS Biology | $126,160 | 120.72 lakh | Class 12 with 55% to 65% (recommended) |
| BS Computer Science | $126,160 | 120.72 lakh | Class 12 with 60% to 70% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants at CAU cluster in the MBA, MS Computer Science and MSW cohorts, with a smaller stream picking MA African American Studies for policy or academic careers.
Read More: Clark Atlanta University Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Clark Atlanta University Admission 2027
Clark Atlanta University runs Fall and Spring intakes for both undergraduate and graduate levels, with Fall being the primary window for Indian applicants. Application volumes peak between November 2026 and March 2027 across the two intakes.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| UG Fall 2027 Early Action | 01 November 2026 | Priority merit scholarship review starts here |
| UG Fall 2027 Regular Decision | 01 March 2027 | Standard deadline for first-year international applicants |
| UG and PG Spring 2027 | 01 November 2026 | Closing within weeks; act now if targeting January entry |
| PG Fall 2027 close | 01 April 2027 | Graduate portal opens 01 August 2026; rolling review |
| Programme start | August 2027 (Fall) | Orientation typically the week before classes |
Planning note: Start credential verification (WES or IEE) at least 8 weeks before your target deadline, since Indian universities take 3 to 6 weeks to release official transcripts on request.
Read More: Clark Atlanta University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Clark Atlanta University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Indian applicants meet a bachelor’s or Class 12 threshold, an English test minimum, and a document set that includes WES-style credential verification.
Postgraduate Requirements
- Academic: Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 minimum (recommended); MBA and MS Computer Science shortlists lean toward 60% or CGPA 6.0/10
- English test: TOEFL PBT 500 (or CBT 173) or IELTS 4.5, as per catalog.cau.edu
- Documents: official transcripts, three recommendation letters, resume, letter of intent
- Tests waived: GRE and GMAT waived across all graduate programmes since 16 September 2020
Undergraduate Requirements
- Academic: Class 12 with 55% to 65% (recommended); 3.3 GPA on US scale qualifies for automatic merit scholarship review
- English test: TOEFL PBT 500 (or CBT 173) or IELTS 5.0, as per catalog.cau.edu
Note: Indian applicants who completed Class 12 or a bachelor’s degree in English-medium schools do not automatically get an IELTS or TOEFL waiver at CAU, so plan a test slot 8 weeks before your deadline.
Clark Atlanta University Acceptance Rate 2027
Clark Atlanta University does not publish an official acceptance rate; third-party aggregators peg it at 55% (estimated) for undergraduate admission. The figure is not university-verified and shifts each cycle.
Graduate admission at CAU is programme-specific, with MBA and MS Computer Science typically more selective than MA humanities tracks. Meeting the recommended thresholds and submitting a strong statement of purpose materially improves shortlist odds.
Reality check: A 55% headline rate does not translate to easy admission. Weak GPA, incomplete document sets and missed English test cutoffs are the common causes of denial for Indian applicants.
Read More: Clark Atlanta University Acceptance Rate
Clark Atlanta University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian student at Clark Atlanta University sits at $50,000 to $60,000 (₹47.85 to 57.42 lakh) once tuition, fees, housing, food and travel are added. Studying in USA at this price band is competitive against other private research universities on the East Coast.
Clark Atlanta University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Undergraduate applicants pay a flat annual tuition rate while graduate applicants pay per credit hour. Both add mandatory university fees each academic year.
| Level | Annual Tuition (USD) | Annual Tuition (INR lakh) | Mandatory Fees (USD/INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $27,962 | 26.76 lakh | $3,578 (₹3.42 lakh) |
| Graduate (30 credits/year) | $33,330 | 31.89 lakh | $2,638 (₹2.52 lakh) |
| Graduate per credit hour | $1,111 | 1.06 lakh | Included in annual fee |
[Source: Clark Atlanta University Office of Student Accounts, 2026-2027 rates]
Clark Atlanta University Cost of Living in Atlanta for Indian Students
Atlanta living costs sit below coastal metros like New York or San Francisco, letting Indian students hold monthly spend under $2,400 (₹2.30 lakh). Off-campus rent in West End near CAU is materially cheaper than Midtown or Buckhead.
| Expense Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $1,000 to $1,400 | ₹95,690 to ₹1.34 lakh |
| Food and groceries | $350 to $500 | ₹33,492 to ₹47,845 |
| Transportation (MARTA transit) | $85 to $150 | ₹8,134 to ₹14,354 |
| Books and supplies | $100 to $130 | ₹9,569 to ₹12,440 |
| Personal and miscellaneous | $170 to $220 | ₹16,267 to ₹21,052 |
| Total monthly | $1,705 to $2,400 | ₹1.63 to 2.30 lakh |
[Source: Atlanta city cost estimates 2026, generic figures pending CAU I-20 cost of attendance]
Insider note: Sharing a two-bedroom apartment near the Atlanta University Center cuts your rent share below $700 (₹66,983) per month, a material saving over on-campus housing at CAU.
Read More: Study in USA Guide for Indian Students
Clark Atlanta University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Clark Atlanta University sits on a 126-acre campus in the Atlanta University Center consortium, minutes from downtown Atlanta and MARTA rail access.
- Location: West End Atlanta, 4.5 km from Hartsfield-Jackson airport train link and 20 minutes to Georgia Tech and Emory research corridors
- Housing: on-campus residence halls house first-year students by default; upper-year and graduate students typically move off-campus for cost savings
- Notable facility: Robert W. Woodruff Library, shared with Morehouse and Spelman, holds over 2 million items and the Countee Cullen African American Collection
- Indian community: Indian student presence is small but growing, anchored by the graduate Business and Computer Science cohorts and a South Asian student club
What Indian students say: The AUC consortium creates a rare Atlanta ecosystem where classes at CAU pair with library access shared across Morehouse and Spelman. Off-campus rent near West End MARTA station remains affordable for graduate students on a $2,000 monthly budget.
Clark Atlanta University Scholarships 2027
Clark Atlanta University lists over 300 named institutional scholarships on its Academic Works portal; a few are graduate-specific and open to international students who meet the academic thresholds.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Foundation Scholarship Fund | Merit | Varies (verify at CAU portal) | School of Business graduate students; 3.25 GPA and GMAT 550 | Verify at cau.academicworks.com |
| Ira Jackson Endowment | Need-based | Varies (verify at CAU portal) | First-year graduate students with FAFSA on file | Verify at cau.academicworks.com |
| Ed Irons School of Business | Merit | Varies (verify at CAU portal) | Second-year graduate business students; 3.0 GPA | Verify at cau.academicworks.com |
| Alva A. and William H. Evans | Merit | Varies (verify at CAU portal) | Full-time graduate students (9 credit hours or more) | Verify at cau.academicworks.com |
| Howard Dobbs (Graduate) | Merit | Varies (verify at CAU portal) | Upper 5% of graduate student cohort by GPA | Verify at cau.academicworks.com |
Planning note: Institutional scholarships at CAU do not cover full tuition for international students; plan to combine one CAU award with an external Indian sponsor like Inlaks or KC Mahindra to close the funding gap.
Read More: Clark Atlanta University Scholarships Guide
Clark Atlanta University Rankings 2027
Clark Atlanta University’s strongest position is #16 among HBCUs in the US News 2026 Best Colleges edition. CAU does not appear in the global QS, THE or ARWU tables, since these rank research output metrics that HBCU-scale institutions rarely target.
| Ranking Body | Category | Latest Edition | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | Global | 2027 | Not ranked |
| Times Higher Education World | Global | 2026 | Not ranked |
| ARWU Shanghai Rankings | Global | 2025 | Not ranked |
| US News Best Colleges | National Universities | 2026 | #329 |
| US News Best Colleges | HBCUs | 2026 | #16 |
| US News Best Colleges | Top Performers on Social Mobility | 2026 | #52 |
[Source: US News and World Report, QS, Times Higher Education, ARWU Shanghai Ranking]
US News groups doctoral research schools nationwide under the National Universities category. LinkedIn’s inaugural HBCU rankings also placed CAU in its top 10 for graduate outcomes.
Key insight: For F-1 visa officers and Indian employers, the US News #16 HBCU tag plus regional accreditation from SACSCOC is what carries recognition, not a QS or THE world position.
Read More: Clark Atlanta University Rankings Analysis
Clark Atlanta University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Clark Atlanta University does not publish a centralised placement rate; federal earnings data and Career and Professional Development Office reports give a partial picture.
- Median income 10-year post-enrollment: $38,400 per year (₹36.74 lakh) as per federal College Scorecard data
- Top earning field: Business Administration graduates report a median of $36,161 per year (₹34.60 lakh), the highest among CAU majors
- Top sectors for CAU alumni: business, education, media, law and public health, per the CAU Career and Professional Development Office
- Career support: the Hire A Panther office runs employer connect events with Atlanta employers including Coca-Cola, Delta and CDC (not disclosed by CAU as verified recruiters)
- Post-study work: Indian graduates use 12 months of OPT plus a 24-month STEM OPT extension for eligible STEM programmes like MS Computer Science
Insider note: CAU alumni network in Atlanta is dense in HBCU-friendly employers; Indian graduates report the best outcomes in Business, IT and consulting when they combine coursework with local internships.
Clark Atlanta University vs Peer Universities
The peer set below groups Atlanta HBCU consortium members and one national research peer, so Indian applicants can compare rank, fee and differentiator side-by-side.
| University | US News 2026 (HBCU) | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD) | Avg Annual PG Fee (INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clark Atlanta University | #16 | $33,330 | 31.89 lakh | Only HBCU in Atlanta offering doctoral degrees |
| Howard University | #3 | $36,000 (estimated) | 34.45 lakh (estimated) | Highest-ranked HBCU with Washington DC network |
| Morehouse College | #5 | NA (UG only) | NA | All-male HBCU, undergraduate-focused |
| Spelman College | #1 | NA (UG only) | NA | All-female HBCU, ranked top HBCU nationally |
| Georgia State University | Not applicable | $26,000 (estimated) | 24.88 lakh (estimated) | Larger Atlanta public research option with lower fees |
Clark Atlanta University stands out because it is the only Atlanta HBCU offering doctoral degrees within the AUC consortium. Applicants seeking a graduate research HBCU in a major US metro often shortlist CAU first.
Clark Atlanta University suits Indian applicants seeking a doctoral research HBCU with an Atlanta base and English-medium instruction. Total two-year investment of about $66,000 (₹63.16 lakh) pairs with median 10-year earnings of $38,400 (₹36.74 lakh) per year, and the F-1 plus OPT window secures up to 36 months of legal US work time for STEM graduates.
CAU is not the right pick if you want a top-100 global QS or THE rank on your CV. Applicants targeting elite research prestige should also consider Howard University or Georgia Tech for the Atlanta area.
Clark Atlanta University FAQs
Ques. What is the application fee for Clark Atlanta University for Indian students?
Ans. The undergraduate application fee at Clark Atlanta University is $35 (₹3,349) for all applicants. Graduate international applicants pay $55 (₹5,263), higher than the $40 (₹3,828) domestic fee. Payment is made through the FuturePanther portal for undergraduate applicants and GradApply for graduate applicants. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid before the application enters review.
Ques. Does Clark Atlanta University waive GRE and GMAT for international applicants?
Ans. Yes, CAU waived GRE and GMAT for all graduate programmes on 16 September 2020, and the waiver remains active in the 2027 cycle. Indian applicants to the MBA, MS Computer Science and MSW do not need to submit either test score. The waiver applies universally across the School of Business, Arts and Sciences, Education and Social Work. English test scores (TOEFL or IELTS) are still required from Indian applicants.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Clark Atlanta University?
Ans. F-1 visa holders at CAU can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the academic term and 40 hours per week during breaks. Off-campus work requires Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization tied to a degree requirement. Federal regulations bar off-campus employment in the first academic year. Common on-campus roles include library assistants, teaching assistants and residence hall staff.
Ques. How long does OPT last for STEM graduates at Clark Atlanta University?
Ans. CAU STEM graduates get 12 months of Optional Practical Training plus a 24-month STEM OPT extension, totalling 36 months of legal US work time. MS Computer Science and BS Biology qualify under the STEM designated degree list. Non-STEM graduates like MBA or MSW get 12 months of standard OPT only. Applicants must apply through the CAU Office of International Student Services before the degree completion date.
Ques. What documents do Indian applicants need for the F-1 visa after CAU admission?
Ans. Admitted Indian applicants need the CAU I-20 form, a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS I-901 fee receipt and financial proof covering the first academic year. Financial proof means bank statements or affidavits of support showing at least $50,000 (₹47.85 lakh). The consular interview at the US Embassy in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or Hyderabad typically takes 3 to 5 minutes. Book the interview slot at least 8 weeks before your programme start date.
Ques. Does Clark Atlanta University accept education loans from Indian banks?
Ans. Indian lenders like SBI, HDFC Credila, Avanse and Prodigy Finance routinely fund CAU admits, though CAU is not on every Indian lender’s premium list. Loan sanction letters serve as valid financial proof for the I-20. Indian applicants typically borrow ₹40 to 60 lakh for a two-year masters at CAU, covering tuition, fees and part of the living costs. Interest rates and collateral requirements vary by lender.
Ques. Is WES transcript evaluation required for Indian applicants to CAU?
Ans. Clark Atlanta University accepts credential evaluations from WES, IEE or ECE for all Indian degrees and Class 12 marksheets. A course-by-course evaluation is preferred over document-by-document for graduate applicants. The evaluation typically takes 5 to 15 business days once WES receives your official transcripts. Indian universities need 3 to 6 weeks to send sealed transcripts to WES, so plan the credential chain 8 weeks ahead.
Ques. What is the refund policy at Clark Atlanta University for withdrawal?
Ans. CAU refunds tuition on a sliding scale based on withdrawal timing within the semester. Full refund applies before the first day of classes; refunds drop to 75% in week one, 50% in week two and 25% in week three. No refund is issued after the fourth week of the term. Mandatory fees and application fees are non-refundable regardless of withdrawal timing.
Clark Atlanta University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M.B.A 2 years | USD 24,016 /Yr | 55 | TOEFL iBT:- 79, IELTS:- 6.5, PTE:- 58, Duolingo:-110 | ||
M.S Computer Science 2 years | Application Deadline For Spring Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 16,020 /Yr | 55 | TOEFL iBT: 79 | IELTS: 6.5 (no band below 6.0) | |
| USD 26,736 /Yr | 55 | TOEFL iBT: 69 | IELTS: 6.0 |
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Clark Atlanta University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claes Isacson Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeNeed-Based | |
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
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Clark Atlanta University Admissions
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Clark Atlanta University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3824 | 2284 | 1540 | - |
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You must complete a 4-year bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited university. A GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required to be eligible for the program. You must hold a superior academic record and a minimum of two years of work experience. You need to apply at CAU online application portal. For more information, you can check here.