Clark Atlanta vs Hampton University

Clark Atlanta University and Hampton University, both esteemed Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), offer unique educational experiences to their students. Clark Atlanta, located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, boasts a higher acceptance rate (64%) compared to Hampton's 49%. With a larger student body, Clark Atlanta offers a more diverse range of undergraduate programs, including popular majors like Business Administration and Psychology. Hampton, situated in the historic city of Hampton, Virginia, excels in Engineering and Nursing programs. While Clark Atlanta's student body is predominantly female, Hampton maintains a more balanced gender ratio. Both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence and fostering a supportive learning environment, but their distinct characteristics may appeal to different students. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Clark Atlanta University	Hampton University
Overview
Location	Atlanta, Georgia	Hampton, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	70.0%	81.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Methodism

Admission
Acceptance rate	58.2%	80.1%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $35 Graduate: $40	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	860 - 1053	N/A
ACT range	17 - 20	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	19.0%
Students submitting ACT score	8.0%
Total number of applicants	16,718	13,192
Total number of admissions given out	9,737	10,570
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,123	615
Yield rate	11.5%	5.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$39,446	$47,197
Average net price	$29,739	$33,204
Tuition	$21,308	$26,198
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,874 Meal plan: $4,348	Room/dormitory: $6,754 Meal plan: $6,232
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	86.0% Average amount $8,674	69.0% Average amount $12,986
Students receiving federal student loan	93.0% Average amount $8,385	51.0% Average amount $11,905
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $9,954	5.0% Average amount $17,950

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,390 Men 23.7% Women 76.3%	2,867 Men 33.8% Women 66.2%
Graduate students	665 Men 27.5% Women 72.5%	450 Men 26.9% Women 73.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	77.9%	N/A
International students	1.1%	2.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	2,162	2,668
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Georgia Illinois New York Maryland California	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Communication and Journalism Public Administration and Social Service Biological and Biomedical Sciences Visual & Performing Arts	Business Health Professions Biological and Biomedical Sciences Communication and Journalism Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	41.6%	57.4%
Dropout rate	39.7%	8.9%
Transferred out	17.4%	31.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Social Work (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $40,378 Year 2: $43,030 Year 3: $47,036 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,161 Year 2: $40,068 Year 3: $43,257 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $24,583 Year 2: $23,649 Year 3: $34,496 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $19,894 Year 2: $24,730 Year 3: $29,620 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $24,229 Year 2: $23,166 Year 3: $28,399 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $23,727 Year 2: $25,405 Year 3: $27,427 Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $19,408 Year 2: $21,781 Year 3: $26,974 Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $24,421 Year 3: $24,839 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $47,925 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $77,566 Year 2: $67,660 Year 3: N/A	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $95,276 Year 2: $117,140 Year 3: $116,735 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $69,591 Year 2: $72,727 Year 3: $74,625 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,318 Year 2: $63,749 Year 3: $68,489 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $61,859 Year 3: $67,779 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $61,436 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,754 Year 2: $39,369 Year 3: $51,209 Architecture (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $39,738 Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $49,620 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $40,896 Year 3: $42,205 Journalism (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,913 Year 2: $28,236 Year 3: $40,416 Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $20,276 Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: $39,085

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Clark Atlanta University and Hampton University?

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, offering a vibrant urban experience and a strong focus on business, mass media arts, and STEM fields within the Atlanta University Center Consortium. Hampton University, situated in Hampton, Virginia, provides a more traditional campus setting with a strong emphasis on leadership development, maritime studies, and a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs. CAU is part of a consortium, allowing students to cross-register for courses at other institutions, while Hampton offers a more self-contained campus experience.
Where are Clark Atlanta University and Hampton University located?

Clark Atlanta University is located in Atlanta, Georgia, a major metropolitan city offering numerous cultural, professional, and social opportunities. Hampton University is located in Hampton, Virginia, a coastal city with a rich history and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Atlanta.
What academic programs are Clark Atlanta University and Hampton University known for?

Clark Atlanta University is well-regarded for its programs in business administration, mass media arts (film, journalism, communication), and STEM fields, particularly biology and chemistry. Hampton University is known for its programs in marine science, engineering, journalism and communications, and its strong pre-med program. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.
What is the campus environment like at Clark Atlanta University versus Hampton University?

Clark Atlanta University offers a vibrant, urban campus environment within the Atlanta University Center, fostering a strong sense of community and access to numerous resources and opportunities in the city. Hampton University provides a more traditional, self-contained campus environment with a focus on student life and leadership development, fostering a close-knit community.
What are the tuition costs and financial aid options at Clark Atlanta University and Hampton University?

Tuition costs vary annually, so it's best to check the official websites of Clark Atlanta University and Hampton University for the most up-to-date information. Both institutions offer a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for financial assistance at both universities.
What is the student life like at Clark Atlanta University and Hampton University?

Clark Atlanta University boasts a vibrant student life deeply intertwined with the Atlanta University Center, offering numerous clubs, organizations, Greek life, and social events. Hampton University emphasizes leadership development and community engagement, with a strong focus on student activities, traditions, and a close-knit campus community. Both universities have active student governments and a variety of extracurricular opportunities.
What are the admission requirements for Clark Atlanta University and Hampton University?

Admission requirements for both Clark Atlanta University and Hampton University typically include a completed application, official high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT, though test-optional policies may apply), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Specific requirements and deadlines may vary, so it's essential to consult the admissions websites of each university for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
What are the career services and alumni networks like at Clark Atlanta University and Hampton University?

Both Clark Atlanta University and Hampton University offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, internship opportunities, and job placement assistance. Both universities also have strong and active alumni networks that provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and support for graduates in their professional endeavors.
Do Clark Atlanta University and Hampton University have strong Greek life?

Yes, both Clark Atlanta University and Hampton University have a rich history of Greek life, with active chapters of various fraternities and sororities. Greek life plays a significant role in the social and cultural fabric of both campuses, offering opportunities for leadership development, community service, and lifelong connections.
Which university is better for someone interested in a specific major, like engineering?

While both universities offer engineering programs, Hampton University is generally considered to have a stronger and more established engineering program. Clark Atlanta University offers engineering programs as well, but Hampton's program has a longer history and may offer more specialized tracks. It's best to research the specific engineering programs offered at each university to determine which aligns best with your interests and career goals.

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