Out-of-State Tuition at Clark Atlanta University: What Atlanta Students Need to Know

If you’re in Atlanta and considering Clark Atlanta University (CAU)—whether you already live in Georgia or you’re thinking of moving here for school—one of the first questions you’ll have is: Does Clark Atlanta have out-of-state fees?

Yes. Clark Atlanta University does charge different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students, and those costs can affect how you budget for college if you’re coming from outside Georgia.

Below is a clear breakdown of how out-of-state fees work at CAU, what that means if you live in Atlanta (or plan to), and how students commonly manage these costs.

Does Clark Atlanta Charge Out-of-State Fees?

Clark Atlanta University is a private, historically Black university (HBCU) located in the Atlanta University Center (AUC) near Downtown and Midtown Atlanta.

Even though CAU is a private school, students commonly see different total costs depending on residency and enrollment status, including:

• Tuition
• Mandatory fees
• Housing and meal plans
• Additional course or program fees

Private universities don’t always separate “in-state” and “out-of-state” tuition in the same way that Georgia public schools like Georgia State University or Georgia Tech do. However:

• You should expect a different cost structure if you’re not a Georgia resident, especially in terms of eligibility for certain state-based aid and how your overall cost of attendance is calculated.
• The term “out-of-state fees” at Clark Atlanta most often comes up when talking about students whose permanent residence is outside Georgia.

Because CAU’s exact tuition amounts change over time, anyone in Atlanta considering enrollment should rely on the most current figures from the university’s Student Accounts or Financial Aid offices, not older numbers found online.

How Tuition Works at Clark Atlanta for Atlanta Residents vs. Out-of-State Students

1. In-State vs. Out-of-State Cost Expectations

If you live in Atlanta (or elsewhere in Georgia) and are a legal Georgia resident, your overall cost of attendance can differ from someone whose home address is in another state.

Key points:

• Georgia residents may qualify for state-based aid, like the HOPE or Zell Miller scholarships, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket tuition.
• Out-of-state students typically don’t qualify for Georgia state aid, so their total cost—after aid—is often higher even if the base private tuition rate is the same on paper.
• Some fees (such as certain university or activity fees) are typically charged to all full-time students, regardless of where they live.

So while CAU is not a public state university using a strict in-state/out-of-state chart, your residency status still matters financially, especially when you look at the full picture: tuition, fees, grants, scholarships, and loans.

2. Typical Cost Components You’ll See

Whether you’re an Atlanta local or coming in from out of state, your bill at Clark Atlanta will usually include:

• Base tuition (undergraduate or graduate)
• Mandatory student fees (technology, student activity, etc.)
• Housing costs (if you live on campus or in university-sponsored housing in Atlanta)
• Meal plan (if required for your housing type)
• Course- or program-specific fees (labs, studio courses, certain majors)
• Health insurance (sometimes mandatory unless waived with proof of coverage)

Out-of-state students often pay similar base tuition as in-state students at private schools, but they may end up with higher net costs because they don’t have access to Georgia-specific grants or scholarships.

Quick Snapshot: How Out-of-State Status Affects You at Clark Atlanta

You can use this simplified table as a starting reference when thinking about costs as an Atlanta resident vs. a student from another state.

Important: This is a general guide. You should always review your individual financial aid package from Clark Atlanta for an accurate picture.

If You Already Live in Atlanta: How Residency Plays In

If you grew up in Atlanta or recently moved here, you may be wondering whether just living in the city is enough to avoid “out-of-state” costs.

For most schools, including those in Atlanta:

• Residency is tied to your legal status in the state of Georgia, not just your current apartment address.
• Factors typically include:
  • Where your parent or guardian lives (for dependent students)
  • Where you file taxes
  • How long you’ve lived in Georgia
  • Your driver’s license or state ID address
  • Voter registration

Since Clark Atlanta is private, the official “in-state vs out-of-state tuition” distinction is not always as rigid as with public universities. But your Georgia residency still affects which financial aid you can receive, especially state-funded programs.

If you’re in Atlanta now but from another state, it’s worth calling CAU’s financial aid office and asking how your current residency will be viewed and what documentation might matter.

If You’re Moving to Atlanta for Clark Atlanta University

Many students relocate to Atlanta’s Westside, Downtown, or surrounding neighborhoods specifically to attend Clark Atlanta and other AUC schools like Morehouse and Spelman.

If you’re one of them, keep in mind:

• Moving to Atlanta does not automatically make you a Georgia resident for financial purposes.
• For tuition and aid decisions, schools (and the state) often look at where you lived before attending and whether you moved primarily for education.
• You may still be considered an out-of-state student for some time, especially when it comes to state-based aid eligibility, even though you now live in the city.

It’s a good idea to ask CAU:

• How they define residency in their financial aid process
• Whether long-term residency in Atlanta could change your eligibility for certain types of aid in future years

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Out-of-State Students at CAU

If you’re out of state and worried about higher costs, many Atlanta students manage expenses through a mix of:

• Institutional scholarships from Clark Atlanta (merit-based, need-based, or program-specific)
• Federal grants and loans (such as Pell Grants and Direct Loans, based on your FAFSA)
• Private scholarships that don’t depend on Georgia residency
• Payment plans arranged through the university’s Student Accounts Office

For many out-of-state students living in Atlanta:

• Even if you’re paying what feels like “out-of-state” prices, your real cost can drop significantly once your full aid package is considered.
• Living choices in Atlanta (on-campus vs. renting nearby, living with relatives, etc.) can also dramatically affect your total expenses.

Where to Get Official, Current Tuition Information in Atlanta

Because tuition and fee structures change over time, the most reliable way to know exactly what you’ll pay—in-state or out-of-state—is to go directly to Clark Atlanta’s official offices.

If you’re in Atlanta or planning to visit, you can connect with:

Clark Atlanta University – Office of Student Accounts / Bursar
Typically housed on CAU’s main campus in the Atlanta University Center area (near Joseph E. Lowery Blvd SW and Fair Street SW).

They can help you with:

• Current tuition and fee schedules
• Billing timelines and due dates
• Payment plans and accepted payment methods

Clark Atlanta University – Office of Financial Aid
Also on the main CAU campus in southwest Atlanta.

They can assist with:

• How your residency and state of origin affect aid
• Eligibility for federal and institutional aid
• Clarifying whether you’ll effectively pay as an “out-of-state” student from a financial standpoint

If you’re local to Atlanta, it can be especially helpful to:

• ✅ Schedule an in-person appointment when campus is open
• ✅ Bring documents like your Georgia ID, lease, or tax info if you have questions about residency
• ✅ Ask them to walk you through a sample cost of attendance based on your situation

Practical Tips for Atlanta Students Comparing In-State and Out-of-State Costs

Whether you’re an Atlanta native or coming here for school, here are some practical steps:

1. Clarify your residency status early.
   If you grew up outside Georgia but now live in Atlanta, ask directly how the university and state view your residency.

2. Request an official cost estimate.
   Ask CAU to provide an estimated cost of attendance for:

   • Tuition and fees
   • Housing (on-campus vs. off-campus in Atlanta)
   • Books, transportation, and personal expenses

3. Compare with other Atlanta schools.
   If out-of-state fees are a major concern, you may want to compare CAU’s private cost structure with:

   • Public options like Georgia State University (Downtown Atlanta) or Georgia Tech (Midtown), which do have clearly defined in-state vs. out-of-state tuition.

4. Plan for Atlanta living costs.
   Even beyond tuition, factor in:

   • Rent in neighborhoods like West End, Vine City, Downtown, or Midtown
   • MARTA or other transportation costs
   • Food and daily expenses in the city

5. Revisit aid each year.
   Your financial aid package can change annually, so it’s smart to review your status before each academic year—especially if your residency situation in Georgia has changed.

In summary: Clark Atlanta University does distinguish costs based on your residency and eligibility for state-based aid, even as a private university. If you’re an out-of-state student coming to Atlanta, you should expect to pay more overall than a Georgia resident who qualifies for state aid—but your exact out-of-pocket cost will depend heavily on your financial aid package, scholarships, and where you live in Atlanta.