Choosing the right college is a significant decision that can impact the rest of your life. In this article, we will compare two universities, Clark Atlanta University (CAU) and Florida Southern College (FSC), across various factors to help you make an informed decision.
CAU Overview
Clark Atlanta University, established in 1988, is a private, historically Black university located in Atlanta, Georgia. The university offers diverse academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. With a focus on research, social justice, and innovation, CAU provides a supportive and engaging learning environment for its students.
CAU Costs & Tuition
Annual tuition for full-time, undergraduate students at CAU is approximately $23,144. Additional costs include room and board ($11,200), books and supplies ($1,200), and other expenses ($2,500). Financial aid is available to eligible students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
CAU Admissions
CAU admissions are moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 52%. Prospective students must submit an online application, official high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1020, while the average ACT score is 20.
CAU Degrees Offered
CAU offers various undergraduate and graduate degrees across four schools: Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, and Social Work. Popular majors include Business Administration, Mass Communication/Media Studies, Psychology, and Social Work.
CAU Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, CAU provides personalized academic support and small class sizes. The university’s academic programs emphasize research, innovation, and social justice, preparing students for successful careers and responsible citizenship.
CAU Diversity
CAU is a historically Black university, with a student body that is predominantly African American (97%). The university is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within its community, offering various programs and resources to support underrepresented students.
CAU Students
CAU has a total enrollment of around 3,325 students, with approximately 2,675 undergraduate students and 650 graduate students. The university offers a variety of student organizations and activities, including Greek life, sports teams, and cultural clubs.
CAU Campus
The CAU campus spans 126 acres in the heart of Atlanta, offering students access to cultural, professional, and entertainment opportunities. Campus facilities include modern classrooms, state-of-the-art research centers, libraries, and recreational facilities.
CAU Alumni
CAU boasts an extensive network of successful alumni, including civil rights activists, award-winning journalists, and accomplished business leaders. Notable alumni include James Weldon Johnson, Ralph Abernathy, and Kenya Barris.
CAU Rankings
CAU is ranked #298-#389 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. The university is also ranked #25 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
CAU Outcomes
CAU graduates can expect a strong return on investment, with an average starting salary of $33,500. In addition, the university has strong alumni connections and career placement services to support graduates in their job search.
Florida Southern Overview
Florida Southern College, founded in 1883, is a private liberal arts college located in Lakeland, Florida. The college offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on experiential learning and a commitment to student success.
Florida Southern Costs & Tuition
The annual tuition for full-time, undergraduate students at FSC is approximately $38,830. Additional costs include room and board ($12,680), books and supplies ($1,200), and other expenses ($2,500). Financial aid is available to eligible students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Florida Southern Admissions
FSC admissions are moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 51%. Prospective students must submit an online application, official high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1220, while the average ACT score is 26.
Florida Southern Degrees Offered
FSC offers diverse undergraduate and graduate degrees across its six academic schools: Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Nursing, Music, and Theatre Arts & Dance. Popular majors include Business Administration, Registered Nursing, Psychology, and Elementary Education.
Florida Southern Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, FSC emphasizes personalized academic support and small class sizes. The college’s academic programs focus on experiential learning, providing students with hands-on experiences and opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.
Florida Southern Diversity
FSC has a diverse student body, with 59% White, 18% Hispanic, 11% Black, and 4% Asian students. The college is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its community, offering various programs and resources to support underrepresented students.
Florida Southern Students
FSC has a total enrollment of around 3,315 students, with approximately 2,955 undergraduate students and 360 graduate students. The college offers a variety of student organizations and activities, including Greek life, sports teams, and cultural clubs.
Florida Southern Campus
The FSC campus spans 110 acres in Lakeland, Florida, providing students with a picturesque and modern learning environment. Campus facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, research centers, libraries, and recreational facilities.
Florida Southern Alumni
FSC has an extensive network of successful alumni, including actors, entrepreneurs, and professional athletes. Notable alumni include Jim Courier, Anne-Marie Russell, and Carlisle Floyd.
Florida Southern Rankings
FSC is ranked #10 in Regional Universities South by U.S. News & World Report. The college is also ranked #6 in Best Undergraduate Teaching and #7 in Most Innovative Schools.
Florida Southern Outcome
Florida Southern graduates can expect a strong return on investment, with an average starting salary of $42,200. The college offers extensive career support services to help graduates find employment and achieve success in their chosen fields.
CAU vs Florida Southern Cost Comparison
CAU and FSC differ significantly in tuition and fees, with CAU offering a more affordable option at $23,144 compared to FSC’s $38,830. Both institutions offer financial aid packages to help offset costs, but CAU may be a more budget-friendly choice for prospective students.
CAU vs Florida Southern Admissions Difficulty
Both CAU and FSC have similar acceptance rates, with CAU at 52% and FSC at 51%. However, FSC tends to attract students with higher average SAT and ACT scores, indicating a slightly more competitive applicant pool.
CAU vs Florida Southern Academic Difficulty
While both institutions offer rigorous academic programs and personalized support, FSC’s smaller student-to-faculty ratio (14:1) may provide a more intimate learning environment than CAU’s 18:1 ratio. However, both schools emphasize experiential learning and real-world applications, preparing students for success in their future careers.
CAU vs Florida Southern Outcome Comparison
Both CAU and FSC graduates can expect strong returns on investment, with average starting salaries of $33,500 and $42,200, respectively. FSC graduates tend to earn slightly more, but both institutions provide extensive career support services to help graduates find employment and achieve success in their chosen fields.
