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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
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.
Whether you’re an Atlanta local or coming in from out of state, your bill at Clark Atlanta will usually include:
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.
You can use this simplified table as a starting reference when thinking about costs as an Atlanta resident vs. a student from another state.
| Factor | Georgia Resident in Atlanta | Out-of-State Student Living in Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Base CAU Tuition (Private) | Typically same published rate | Typically same published rate |
| Georgia HOPE / Zell Miller | May be eligible | Not eligible |
| State-Based Aid (Georgia) | Available if you qualify | Not available |
| University Scholarships | May be available | May be available |
| Cost of Housing in Atlanta | Depends on on-campus/off-campus | Same Atlanta market costs |
| Overall Net Cost | Often lower with state aid | Often higher without GA state aid |
Important: This is a general guide. You should always review your individual financial aid package from Clark Atlanta for an accurate picture.
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:
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.
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:
It’s a good idea to ask CAU:
If you’re out of state and worried about higher costs, many Atlanta students manage expenses through a mix of:
For many out-of-state students living 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:
Clark Atlanta University – Office of Financial Aid
Also on the main CAU campus in southwest Atlanta.
They can assist with:
If you’re local to Atlanta, it can be especially helpful to:
Whether you’re an Atlanta native or coming here for school, here are some practical steps:
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.
Request an official cost estimate.
Ask CAU to provide an estimated cost of attendance for:
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:
Plan for Atlanta living costs.
Even beyond tuition, factor in:
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.
