Is Clark Atlanta University a Division I School? What Atlanta Residents Should Know

If you live in Atlanta or are looking at colleges here, you may be wondering: Is Clark Atlanta University a Division I school?

No. Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is not an NCAA Division I school.
Clark Atlanta competes in NCAA Division II athletics.

That said, CAU still has a rich sports culture, strong local rivalries, and a visible presence in Atlanta’s college sports scene—especially as part of the Atlanta University Center (AUC) community.

Below is a clear breakdown of what that means for students, families, and sports fans in Atlanta.

Clark Atlanta University’s NCAA Level: The Basics

Clark Atlanta University is an NCAA Division II institution.

• NCAA Division: Division II
• Conference:Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
• Location: 223 James P. Brawley Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Type of school: Private, Historically Black College/University (HBCU)
• Mascot: Panthers

Division II schools like CAU balance competitive athletics with a strong emphasis on academics and campus life, often with a slightly smaller athletic budget and scale than Division I programs.

Division I vs. Division II: What’s the Difference in Atlanta?

If you live in Atlanta, you’re surrounded by a mix of Division I and Division II schools. Understanding the difference can help you decide what kind of sports environment you’re looking for.

How Division I Differs from Division II

Division I (D1) schools tend to have:

• Larger athletic budgets
• Bigger stadiums and more national TV exposure
• More athletic scholarships overall
• Heavy focus on high-profile sports like football and basketball

Division II (D2) schools, like CAU, typically offer:

• A more balanced student-athlete experience (sports + academics)
• Smaller, more intimate game environments
• Partial scholarships instead of large numbers of full rides
• Strong regional rivalries rather than national-level focus

For many Atlanta families, Division II can feel like a good “middle ground”—competitive athletics in a less overwhelming, more community-centered setting.

Where Clark Atlanta Fits in Atlanta’s College Sports Landscape

Metro Atlanta has several well-known NCAA programs. Here’s a simple comparison to put Clark Atlanta in context:

If you’re in Atlanta and want the big Division I stadium feel, you’re probably thinking of Georgia Tech or Georgia State. If you’re more interested in HBCU culture, community, and tradition, Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, and Spelman may be your focus, regardless of division.

Clark Atlanta’s Conference: The SIAC and HBCU Sports Culture

Even though CAU is Division II, it participates in one of the most tradition-rich HBCU athletic conferences in the country: the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).

What is the SIAC?

The SIAC is a Division II conference made up primarily of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, many of which are in the Southeast. For an Atlanta resident, that means:

• Regional rivalries with schools in Georgia and nearby states
• Frequent bus-friendly away games for fans who want to travel
• A strong emphasis on band culture, homecoming, and classic games

If you’ve ever been around the Atlanta University Center during football season, you’ve probably seen or heard the CAU Panthers marching band and game-day festivities tied to this conference.

Sports Offered at Clark Atlanta University

While offerings can change over time, Clark Atlanta University typically supports multiple men’s and women’s sports teams that compete at the Division II level.

Commonly offered sports include:

Men’s teams (examples):

• Football
• Basketball
• Baseball
• Track & Field
• Cross Country

Women’s teams (examples):

• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Softball
• Track & Field
• Cross Country

If you are considering playing a sport at CAU, it’s best to check directly with the Clark Atlanta Athletics Department for the most up-to-date list of teams and opportunities.

Why Someone in Atlanta Might Choose a Division II School Like CAU

If you or your student is choosing between Division I and Division II, especially in the Atlanta area, here are some practical reasons people consider a school like Clark Atlanta:

1. Strong HBCU Community in the Heart of Atlanta

CAU is part of the Atlanta University Center (AUC), along with Morehouse College and Spelman College. That means:

• Shared cultural events
• A dense community of Black scholars and professionals
• Easy access to downtown, Midtown, and Westside Atlanta

For many Atlanta families, this community identity matters as much as the athletic division.

2. Balance of Academics and Athletics

Division II schools often emphasize:

• Manageable practice and travel schedules
• Academic success and campus involvement
• Smaller class sizes and more face-time with professors

If you’re an Atlanta student who wants to compete seriously in college sports but still have time for internships, jobs, and city life, a Division II environment can be attractive.

3. Access to Atlanta’s Professional and Cultural Scene

Being at CAU places you:

• Minutes from downtown Atlanta
• Near major employers, nonprofits, and government offices
• Close to venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and the Georgia World Congress Center

This proximity can matter for:

• Internships
• Networking
• Post-graduation job opportunities

The athletic division doesn’t change the fact that CAU students are studying and competing in a major urban hub.

Watching Clark Atlanta Games as an Atlanta Resident

Even if you’re not a student, CAU games can be a fun, affordable way to enjoy live sports in the city.

Game Atmosphere

Expect:

• A smaller, more intimate crowd than big Division I games
• A noticeable emphasis on bands, cheer, and HBCU traditions
• A community feel—many attendees are alumni, local families, and students from nearby AUC schools

For many Atlantans, homecoming and rivalry games are highlights of the fall.

Typical Venues and Area

Most CAU athletic events take place on or near the Clark Atlanta campus, within the AUC area on Atlanta’s Westside. If you’re driving from elsewhere in the city, you’ll be close to:

• Downtown Atlanta (just east)
• Westside neighborhoods and the historic West End
• MARTA stations that make it accessible without a car

If you’re planning to attend, it’s smart to:

• Check game schedules in advance
• Look up parking or transit options
• Arrive early for popular rivalry or homecoming matchups

Considering Playing Sports at CAU as an Atlanta Student

If you live in Metro Atlanta and want to play college sports while staying close to home, Clark Atlanta can be appealing.

Things Local Student-Athletes Often Ask

1. Can I get an athletic scholarship at a Division II school like CAU?

   • Division II programs can offer partial athletic scholarships and other aid. Exact packages depend on the sport, the coach, and your athletic and academic profile.

2. Will I still face strong competition?

   • Yes. Division II, especially in established conferences like the SIAC, is highly competitive. Many players were standout athletes at their high schools in Atlanta and beyond.

3. Do I need film or club experience to be recruited?

   • Having game film, stats, and coach recommendations is often helpful. Many local athletes also play for Metro Atlanta high schools or club teams, which coaches regularly scout.

4. Can I walk on?

   • Some programs may allow tryouts or walk-on opportunities, depending on roster needs. It’s best to communicate directly with the specific sport’s coaching staff.

Who to Contact at Clark Atlanta

For the most accurate guidance, students often reach out to:

• Clark Atlanta University Athletics Department
• Sport-specific coaches (football, basketball, volleyball, etc.)
• Admissions Office for academic requirements and application steps

You can visit or write to the campus at:
Clark Atlanta University
223 James P. Brawley Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30314

Phone numbers and email contacts are typically listed through the university’s main directory or athletics page.

How CAU Compares to Other Atlanta Options for Sports-Focused Students

If your main question is about NCAA Division I vs. Division II, here’s how Clark Atlanta fits among nearby schools:

• Choose Clark Atlanta (Division II) if you want:

  • An HBCU experience in the AUC
  • Competitive but more intimate athletics
  • A balanced student-athlete lifestyle
  • Deep connections to Westside and downtown Atlanta communities

• Consider Georgia State (Division I) if you want:

  • Urban campus in downtown Atlanta
  • Larger D1 profile in sports like football and basketball

• Consider Georgia Tech (Division I) if you want:

  • Power-conference competition (ACC)
  • Highly visible Division I athletics
  • A major engineering and research environment in Midtown

For many Atlanta families, the choice is less about “Is it Division I?” and more about campus culture, academic fit, location, and support systems—areas where Clark Atlanta has a distinct identity.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• Clark Atlanta University is not Division I; it competes in NCAA Division II.
• CAU is part of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), a historically significant HBCU conference.
• As a Division II school, CAU emphasizes competitive athletics, academics, and community in a more personal setting than many large D1 programs.
• If you’re in Atlanta, CAU games offer a local, culturally rich sports experience—especially around homecoming and rivalry matchups.
• Students from Metro Atlanta often choose Clark Atlanta for its HBCU environment, AUC community, and urban location, not just its athletic division status.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, understanding that Clark Atlanta is Division II helps set the right expectations—and can open the door to appreciating a unique and vibrant part of the city’s college sports and cultural landscape.