Clark Atlanta vs Prairie View

Clark Atlanta University and Prairie View A&M University, both historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), offer unique educational experiences for students seeking a diverse and enriching academic environment. Clark Atlanta, located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, boasts a higher acceptance rate (64%) compared to Prairie View A&M's 57%. While both institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate programs, Clark Atlanta excels in fields like business, psychology, and social work, while Prairie View A&M is renowned for its engineering, agriculture, and nursing programs. With a larger student body, Prairie View A&M fosters a vibrant campus community, while Clark Atlanta's smaller size allows for more personalized attention from faculty. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover how these two esteemed HBCUs stack up against each other in terms of acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, helping you make an informed decision about your higher education journey.

	Clark Atlanta University	Prairie View A & M University
Overview
Location	Atlanta, Georgia	Prairie View, Texas
Campus setting	City: Large	Town: Distant
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	70.0%	75.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation	Methodism

Admission
Acceptance rate	58.2%	77.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $35 Graduate: $40	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $50
SAT range	860 - 1053	840 - 1050
ACT range	17 - 20	18 - 20
Students submitting SAT score	19.0%	65.0%
Students submitting ACT score	8.0%	29.0%
Total number of applicants	16,718	6,753
Total number of admissions given out	9,737	5,200
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,123	1,811
Yield rate	11.5%	34.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$39,446	In state: $24,849 Out of state: $40,424
Average net price	$29,739	$14,927
Tuition	$21,308	In state: $7,387 Out of state: $22,590
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,874 Meal plan: $4,348	Room/dormitory: $6,130 Meal plan: $2,969
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	86.0% Average amount $8,674	92.0% Average amount $13,391
Students receiving federal student loan	93.0% Average amount $8,385	67.0% Average amount $5,195
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $9,954	3.0% Average amount $16,925

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,390 Men 23.7% Women 76.3%	8,444 Men 32.1% Women 67.9%
Graduate students	665 Men 27.5% Women 72.5%	956 Men 37.1% Women 62.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	77.9%	N/A
International students	1.1%	2.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity	2,162	4,808
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 Engineering Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	19:1
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%	41.6%
Dropout rate	39.7%	26.5%
Transferred out	17.4%	27.3%
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	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,341 Year 2: $90,049 Year 3: $100,710 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,240 Year 2: $70,009 Year 3: $82,296 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,439 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $78,974 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,171 Year 2: $72,891 Year 3: $76,074 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,650 Year 2: $69,757 Year 3: $73,106 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,804 Year 2: $70,009 Year 3: $71,448 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $67,982 Year 2: $54,109 Year 3: $66,754 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,156 Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $57,553 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,531 Year 2: $53,984 Year 3: $55,574 Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,438 Year 2: $46,478 Year 3: $54,487

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in location and campus environment between Clark Atlanta University and Prairie View A&M University?

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is located in Atlanta, Georgia, a major metropolitan city with a vibrant cultural scene and numerous opportunities for internships and networking. The campus environment is urban and integrated within the city. Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), on the other hand, is situated in Prairie View, Texas, a more rural setting. PVAMU offers a traditional college town experience with a strong sense of community and a focus on campus life.
How do the academic programs and areas of study compare at Clark Atlanta University and Prairie View A&M University?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Clark Atlanta University, as a historically Black university (HBCU), is known for its strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and communications. Prairie View A&M University, also an HBCU, has a strong emphasis on STEM fields, including engineering, agriculture, and architecture, in addition to its offerings in liberal arts and business. Consider your specific academic interests when making your decision.
What is the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, at Clark Atlanta University versus Prairie View A&M University?

The cost of attendance varies between the two institutions. Generally, tuition and fees at both universities are competitive. However, factors like room and board, transportation, and personal expenses can influence the overall cost. It's recommended to check the official websites of both Clark Atlanta University and Prairie View A&M University for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at both institutions to help offset these costs.
How do the student life and extracurricular activities differ at Clark Atlanta University and Prairie View A&M University?

Student life is a significant aspect of the college experience at both universities. Clark Atlanta University, located in Atlanta, provides access to a diverse range of cultural events, internships, and social opportunities within the city. The campus has a strong Greek life presence and a variety of student organizations. Prairie View A&M University offers a close-knit campus community with a focus on traditions, student organizations, and a robust athletic program, including a well-regarded marching band. Both universities offer a rich and engaging student life experience, but the specific activities and atmosphere will vary based on location and campus culture.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity levels for Clark Atlanta University and Prairie View A&M University?

Admission requirements vary, so it's essential to review the specific requirements for each university. Both universities typically require high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and letters of recommendation. Clark Atlanta University may have a slightly more selective admission process due to its location and reputation. Prairie View A&M University generally has a more accessible admission process, but still maintains high academic standards. Check the official websites for the most current admission criteria, including application deadlines and any specific requirements for your intended program of study.
How do the career services and alumni networks compare at Clark Atlanta University and Prairie View A&M University?

Both universities offer career services to assist students with career planning, resume writing, and job placement. Clark Atlanta University, located in a major city, provides access to a wide network of potential employers and internship opportunities. Its alumni network is strong, particularly in fields like communications, media, and the arts. Prairie View A&M University has a robust alumni network, especially in engineering, agriculture, and architecture, and a strong focus on career preparation. The career services at both institutions are designed to help students succeed in their chosen fields.
What is the overall reputation and ranking of Clark Atlanta University and Prairie View A&M University?

Both Clark Atlanta University and Prairie View A&M University are well-regarded historically Black universities (HBCUs). Clark Atlanta University is known for its strong academic programs and its location in a major metropolitan area. Prairie View A&M University is recognized for its strong STEM programs and its commitment to student success. Rankings can vary depending on the source, but both universities consistently receive recognition for their contributions to higher education and their impact on the lives of their students and alumni. Consider the specific programs and departments that align with your academic goals when evaluating the overall reputation.
What are the housing options like at Clark Atlanta University and Prairie View A&M University?

Both universities offer on-campus housing options for students. Clark Atlanta University provides a variety of residence halls, ranging from traditional dorms to more modern apartment-style living. Prairie View A&M University also offers a range of housing options, including traditional dorms, suites, and apartments. The availability and cost of housing can vary, so it's important to apply early and review the specific housing options and policies on each university's website. Both universities also have resources to help students find off-campus housing if they choose to live outside of the dorms.

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