If you live in Atlanta, Georgia and are considering Clark Atlanta University (CAU), one of the first questions you’ll ask is: “How much is Clark Atlanta tuition?” Understanding the full cost is key to planning your budget, financial aid, and even housing and transportation inside the city.
Below is a clear breakdown of tuition and typical costs, how they work for Atlanta residents vs. out-of-state students, and what to expect once you’re on or near CAU’s historic campus on James P. Brawley Drive.
Clark Atlanta University is a private, historically Black university (HBCU) located just west of Downtown in the Atlanta University Center (AUC). Because it’s private, tuition is the same for Georgia residents and out-of-state students—there’s no special “in-state” discount the way you’d see at public schools like Georgia State or Georgia Tech.
For most full-time undergraduate students, the cost structure typically includes:
While exact numbers change, CAU’s tuition is generally in the range of many private universities in major cities.
Here’s a simplified view of how the main academic charges are typically organized for a full-time undergraduate:
| Cost Component | How It’s Usually Charged | Who It Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tuition | Per semester or per academic year | Most degree-seeking students |
| Mandatory Fees | Per semester | All enrolled students |
| Course/Lab Fees | Per specific class (e.g., science labs) | Students in those courses |
| Online/Hybrid Fees | Per online or hybrid course (if applicable) | Students taking those formats |
For graduate programs, tuition is often charged per credit hour, and total costs vary by program (MBA, MSW, education, etc.). Atlanta professionals who work downtown or in Midtown often choose CAU grad programs because the campus is a short drive or MARTA ride away.
If you’re from metro Atlanta, you’ll need to decide whether to:
Because Clark Atlanta sits near Vine City, West End, and Downtown Atlanta, off-campus rent can vary a lot depending on neighborhood and roommate situation.
Students who live in CAU residence halls typically pay:
Living on campus can simplify life if you’re new to living in the city, since you’re within walking distance of:
If you’re from Atlanta or comfortable with city living, you might consider:
In that case, your cost of attendance for financial aid purposes would still include an estimated housing and food budget, but you’d be paying rent to a landlord, not to CAU.
Beyond tuition and housing, students at Clark Atlanta typically budget for:
Being in a major city means there are more opportunities (internships, networking, events) but also more temptations to overspend, especially around Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.
Most CAU students use some combination of:
To see what you qualify for, you’ll need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This is standard for any U.S. college, including CAU.
If you’re a Georgia resident attending Clark Atlanta, you may be eligible for:
These can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket tuition, even at a private school, if you meet the requirements.
Clark Atlanta often offers:
Living in Atlanta can also give you access to local scholarships through:
When Clark Atlanta talks about “cost of attendance,” it usually includes:
Direct costs (paid to CAU)
Indirect costs (still real, but paid to others)
For someone living at home in metro Atlanta, that might mean lower housing costs, but you’ll want to factor in commute time, MARTA schedules, and parking.
Because tuition and fee amounts can change, the most reliable way to know exactly how much Clark Atlanta tuition is right now is to contact the university directly.
Key on-campus offices in Atlanta include:
This office can provide:
Location:
Clark Atlanta University – Office of Student Accounts
223 James P. Brawley Drive SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
Phone numbers and office hours are typically listed on CAU’s official site or main directory.
This is your go-to for:
Location:
Clark Atlanta University – Office of Financial Aid
223 James P. Brawley Drive SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
You can usually walk over if you’re on campus, or call/email if you’re elsewhere in the Atlanta area.
Here are a few locally focused ways to manage and understand the cost of CAU:
Compare commuting vs. campus housing.
If you already live in metro Atlanta, get real numbers for:
Use MARTA strategically.
The Ashby and Vine City MARTA stations are relatively close to the AUC area, and buses run along streets like Joseph E. Lowery Blvd and MLK Jr. Drive. Factoring MARTA passes into your budget can reduce the need for a car.
Look for Atlanta-based scholarships.
Many Atlanta companies, churches, and civic groups offer scholarships specifically to city or metro-area students, including those attending HBCUs like Clark Atlanta.
Ask for a personalized cost estimate.
CAU’s financial aid and student accounts offices can often help you build a custom estimate that reflects:
If you live in or near Atlanta, visiting the campus and these offices in person can help you get a clear, Atlanta-specific picture of what attending Clark Atlanta University will really cost you.
