Clark Atlanta University: A Local’s Guide to This Historic Atlanta HBCU

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is one of Atlanta’s most important educational and cultural landmarks. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are thinking about moving here for school or work, understanding Clark Atlanta helps you understand a big part of what makes the city unique.

This guide walks you through what Clark Atlanta University is, where it fits into Atlanta life, and what you should know if you want to study, work, or simply spend time on or around campus.

What Is Clark Atlanta University?

Clark Atlanta University is a private, historically Black university (HBCU) located in the heart of Atlanta’s Westside, just west of downtown.

Key facts:

• Type: Private, coeducational HBCU
• Location: 223 James P. Brawley Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Neighborhood: Near the Vine City and Ashview Heights areas, part of the Atlanta University Center (AUC)
• Founded: 1988 (through the consolidation of Clark College, founded 1869, and Atlanta University, founded 1865)

If you hear people in Atlanta talk about “CAU”, they’re usually referring to Clark Atlanta specifically, not the entire AUC, though the schools are closely connected.

Clark Atlanta’s Place in the Atlanta University Center (AUC)

Clark Atlanta is part of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, a group of historically Black colleges and universities that share resources and sit next to each other:

• Clark Atlanta University (CAU)
• Morehouse College
• Spelman College
• Morehouse School of Medicine

Why the AUC Matters in Atlanta

For Atlanta residents and visitors:

• It creates a huge student presence on the Westside.
• It draws conferences, speakers, job recruiters, and cultural events to the city.
• It fuels a steady demand for housing, transportation, food, and entertainment in nearby neighborhoods like West End, Vine City, and the Castleberry Hill area.

If you’re considering living in Atlanta as a student, working near downtown, or investing time or resources in the Westside, the presence of CAU and the AUC more broadly is a major factor in how the area feels and functions.

Where Clark Atlanta Is in the City (and How to Get There)

Campus Location

Clark Atlanta’s main campus sits just west of downtown Atlanta:

• Address: 223 James P. Brawley Drive SW
  Atlanta, GA 30314

It’s close to:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Georgia World Congress Center
• Downtown Atlanta business district
• West End and Vine City neighborhoods

Getting to Clark Atlanta 🚇🚗

For Atlanta residents, getting to CAU is relatively straightforward:

By MARTA Rail:

• Ashby Station (Blue/Green Line) – one of the closest rail stations
• West End Station (Red/Gold Line) – a short bus or rideshare ride away
• Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line) – also near the AUC area

From these stations, you can walk, bike, or take a short bus or rideshare to campus, depending on your comfort and schedule.

By Bus:

MARTA buses that commonly serve the West End and AUC area typically run along:

• Joseph E. Lowery Blvd
• Lee Street / Whitehall Street
• Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

Exact routes can change, so it’s best to check MARTA schedules for up-to-date route numbers and times.

By Car:

• From Downtown Atlanta: Usually under 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Near major roads such as I-20, I-75/85, and MLK Jr. Drive.

Parking around CAU often includes:

• Visitor and event parking lots during specific hours
• Street parking in some nearby areas (follow posted signs carefully)

If you’re coming for a campus tour, game, or event, it’s smart to check event-specific parking guidance in advance.

Academic Life at Clark Atlanta: What People Study

Clark Atlanta offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. This matters both if you’re applying to school and if you’re an Atlanta employer or community partner looking for talent.

Major Academic Areas

Programs often fall into areas like:

• Business and Economics (e.g., accounting, finance, marketing, management)
• Humanities and Social Sciences (e.g., history, psychology, political science)
• STEM and Technology (e.g., computer science, engineering-related disciplines, natural sciences)
• Education (teacher preparation and educational leadership)
• Arts and Communications (e.g., journalism, media, fine arts, music)
• Social Work and Public Service

If you’re in metro Atlanta and looking to hire interns or entry-level employees, CAU students and grads bring training in these areas, plus experience working in a diverse, urban environment.

Clark Atlanta for Prospective Students in (or Moving to) Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta and are considering staying local for college or graduate school, Clark Atlanta can be appealing because it blends HBCU culture, urban living, and proximity to downtown opportunities.

Campus Experience

On or near the CAU campus, you’ll typically find:

• Residence halls and student housing
• Student organizations and Greek life
• On-campus dining options
• Libraries, labs, and study spaces
• Athletic and recreational facilities

The AUC connection means students often cross-register for classes or participate in events at Morehouse and Spelman, expanding social and academic options without leaving the neighborhood.

Living Near Clark Atlanta

If you’re planning to live off campus in Atlanta while attending CAU, common nearby housing areas include:

• West End – historic neighborhood with a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and student rentals
• Vine City – close to campus and stadiums, with ongoing redevelopment
• Parts of Downtown and Castleberry Hill – more loft-style, urban living
• Westview and other Westside neighborhoods – slightly farther but still commutable

When choosing housing, students typically consider:

• Proximity to campus and MARTA
• Safety and lighting on walking routes
• Roommates and shared housing options
• Parking availability if you have a car

Clark Atlanta’s Role in Atlanta’s Culture and Community

Clark Atlanta is more than just a school; it’s a cultural anchor for the city, especially on the Westside.

HBCU Culture in the City

For Atlanta residents and visitors, CAU is known for:

• Homecoming and major campus events that bring alumni and guests from across the country
• Marching band performances, step shows, and cultural showcases
• A steady calendar of lectures, panels, arts events, and community gatherings

During big AUC events, you can expect heavier traffic, more foot traffic, and a lively atmosphere across the West End and surrounding area.

Community and Service

Clark Atlanta often connects with:

• Local Atlanta Public Schools and youth programs
• Nonprofits, community development groups, and neighborhood associations
• City of Atlanta initiatives focused on education, economic development, and cultural preservation

If you’re an Atlanta resident or organization, CAU can be a key partner for:

• Volunteers and interns
• Joint events and community programs
• Public forums and discussions on issues that affect the city

Athletics and Events at Clark Atlanta

Clark Atlanta competes in collegiate athletics and hosts a variety of events that draw both the campus community and the broader city.

Sports at CAU

CAU’s athletic programs typically include:

• Football
• Basketball
• Track and field
• Other men’s and women’s sports

As an Atlanta resident, CAU games can be:

• A more budget-friendly local sports option compared to major professional teams
• An opportunity to experience HBCU game-day atmosphere, including bands, cheer squads, and alumni gatherings

Game days can also affect parking and traffic near campus, especially during football season and homecoming week.

Other Events You Might See

On or near campus, it’s common to find:

• Career fairs and employer events
• Performances, concerts, and exhibitions
• Student and alumni gatherings
• Conferences and symposiums on topics like business, public policy, and social justice

If you’re in Atlanta for networking, professional development, or cultural experiences, checking CAU’s event offerings can be worthwhile.

Working with or Near Clark Atlanta as an Atlanta Professional

For local businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies, Clark Atlanta is a significant resource.

Hiring and Internships

Atlanta-area employers frequently look to CAU for:

• Interns in fields like business, media, tech, and public service
• Entry-level hires who already understand Atlanta’s communities and industries
• Research and consulting partnerships, especially on projects that affect Black communities and urban environments

If your company is downtown or in Midtown, CAU’s location makes in-person internships and part-time roles more feasible for students.

Partnerships and Community Projects

Local organizations often collaborate with CAU on:

• Neighborhood revitalization efforts
• Public health and social service projects
• Arts and cultural programming
• Youth mentorship and education initiatives

If you operate in the West End, Vine City, or broader Westside, understanding Clark Atlanta’s presence helps you plan outreach, programming, and community engagement.

Visiting Clark Atlanta: Tips for Atlanta Residents and Tourists

If you’re in Atlanta and want to explore the campus or surrounding area, a little planning helps.

Campus Tours and Visits

Many visitors come for:

• Prospective student tours
• Alumni visits
• Special events, ceremonies, and reunions

Before you go:

• Check tour schedules and visitor guidelines.
• Confirm where visitors should park and any fees.
• Allow extra time on days when there are large events, especially during homecoming or graduation seasons.

Nearby Atlanta Attractions

Within a short drive, ride, or sometimes walk from Clark Atlanta, you’ll find:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – home to major sports and concerts
• Georgia World Congress Center – for large conventions and events
• Centennial Olympic Park / Downtown attractions – including museums and entertainment venues
• Historic West End – with its own cultural sites, retail, and restaurants

This makes CAU’s location especially convenient if you want to combine a campus visit with other Atlanta sightseeing.

Quick Reference: Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta

For anyone living in Atlanta, planning a visit, or considering studying or working here, Clark Atlanta University is a central piece of the city’s educational and cultural landscape—especially on the Westside and around downtown. Understanding where it is, what it offers, and how it connects to the broader Atlanta community can help you navigate school choices, neighborhood decisions, job searches, and local events more confidently.