Undergraduate Admissions

The Clark Atlanta University Application is the preferred way to apply. Our application for the spring and fall semesters opens each August 1st. We are a member of The Common Application and Common Black College Application.

We want to make the application process clear and straightforward for students and families planning for admission.

Early Action: The Recommended Time to Apply

High school seniors who are interested in enrolling at Clark Atlanta University for Fall admission are strongly encouraged to submit their application between August and October of their senior year. This period is known as Early Action, and it is non‑binding—students will receive an admission decision early but are not required to commit to the University at that time.

Applying during Early Action is especially important for students who wish to be considered for merit‑based scholarships. Scholarship review begins early, and students who submit their application and required documents before the Early Action deadline are given priority consideration.

Submitting Required Materials

To be considered for scholarships, all required application materials—such as transcripts —must be received by the Early Action deadline. Submitting items on time ensures that a student’s file is complete and ready for review.

After Early Action

For deadlines occurring after Early Action, the date applies only to the application form itself. Clark Atlanta University will continue to accept supporting documents, including transcripts, recommendations, and other required materials, even after the posted deadline. This flexibility ensures that students can complete their file even if their school needs additional processing time.

Spring Admission Update

Spring 2026 applications are now closed.
Students who planned to begin in the Spring semester should now prepare to apply for Fall 2026 admission.

Moving Forward

Prospective students are encouraged to:

• Begin the application process early,
• Request transcripts and recommendations with plenty of time, and
• Monitor their email regularly for updates from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Clark Atlanta University is committed to supporting students through every step of the admissions process and ensuring they have the information needed to prepare for enrollment.

A complete application package must include the following:

1. Application for Admission

Submit the Clark Atlanta University Application along with the non‑refundable $35 application fee (payable by credit card, money order, or cashier’s check).

2. Official Transcript(s)

• High School Applicants: Submit an official high school transcript or GED certificate.
• Dual Enrollment Students: Must also submit an official transcript from each college or university attended.

How to Send Transcripts:
Transcripts may be submitted through:

• Parchment (select “Undergraduate Admissions”)
• National Student Clearinghouse
• Email: admissions@cau.edu

3. Academic Requirements

• A preferred minimum high school GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Applicants below this threshold may still be admitted based on our holistic review.

4. Test Scores (Optional)

• SAT or ACT scores are optional for all applicants.
• Students may choose to submit scores if they believe it strengthens their application.

5. International Applicants

Students from non‑English‑speaking countries may submit TOEFL or IELTS scores in place of SAT/ACT.
A WES evaluation is also recommended for international academic documents.

We consider the applicant’s secondary school academic record, standardized college entrance exams (SAT or ACT), leadership in school and community activities, unique talents and skills, and educational objectives. For admission consideration, an applicant should have a well-balanced college preparatory program that includes the following course work:

• 4 units English
• 3 units Mathematics
• 3 units Electives
• 3 units Natural Science
• 2 units Social Science
• 2 units Foreign Language
  • A student may be admitted with less than two units in a foreign language but may be required to take language at CAU depending on the students selected major. We recommend foreign language in preparing for CAU so that students will spend less time fulfilling this requirement through coursework or a placement exam.

Fall 2026

• Early Action (Non-binding): application due November 1; students should be notified via email by January 1
• Final Deadline for First Year Students: application due March 1; students notified via email on a rolling, weekly basis. Fall 2026 applications are now closed
• Transfer Student Deadline for Fall: application due June 1

Spring 2027

• Applicants interested in spring enrollment must submit completed application, including supporting documents, by November 1.

Learn more about tuition, aid and scholarships.

We accept documents through the following portals:

• Student Clearinghouse
• Parchment

Unfortunately, we do not currently use Georgia Futures.

Many documents can also be submitted online by a counselor through email at admissions@cau.edu or through our online applications.

If you prefer to mail transcript(s) and recommendation letters, please send them to:

Clark Atlanta University
Office of Admission
223 James P. Brawley Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30314

Institutional Scholarships

Merit-Based Scholarships

• First-Year Students: Automatically considered upon application.
• Eligibility: Minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA.
• Note: Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an award, as these scholarships are highly competitive.

General Merit Awards

• Open to first-year and transfer students with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Institutional Undergraduate Studies Scholarship

• Awarded to continuing students based on academic performance and documented financial need.
• Requirements:
  • Complete the FAFSA by February 1
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • Hold a clear balance by May 1
  • Priority consideration for students completing 15 or more credit hours per semester

Sibling Discount

• Offers a 33% tuition reduction for biological or legally adopted dependent siblings enrolled at CAU.
• Families must submit all required documentation by July 1.

Ministerial Discount

• Available to dependents of United Methodist Church ministers enrolled at CAU.
• Requires a letter from the conference verifying the minister’s good standing, submitted by July 1.

Athletic Scholarships

• Awarded through the CAU Athletics Department to student-athletes across all sports.
• Selection is based on athletic ability and compliance with NCAA Division II eligibility requirements.

External Scholarships

CAU also offers students access to a wide range of external funding opportunities through its official scholarship portal. Eligible students may apply for multiple competitive awards from outside organizations and partners. 

To set up a campus tour, you can follow these steps: 

1. Visit the Campus Tour Scheduling Page: Go to the link below to schedule your tour: Campus Tour Scheduling
2. Choose an Available Date: Once on the page, you will be able to view the available dates on the calendar. If a specific date is unavailable, it means that the tour slots for that day are already full, and you won’t be able to schedule for that date.
3. Select Your Preferred Time: After picking an available date, select your preferred time for the tour, and follow the instructions to complete your reservation.
4. Confirmation: After you’ve selected a date and time, you should receive a confirmation email with the details of your campus tour. 

Make sure to check for availability early to secure your preferred date and time.

After you’ve confirmed your intention to attend as a transfer student, the Center for Academic Student Success (CASS) department will review your academic transcripts to determine which of your credits will transfer. They will assess which courses align with your new school’s curriculum and how those credits can be applied to your degree program. 

Here’s a general idea of what might happen during this process: 

1. Course Equivalency: The CASS department will match your previous coursework with equivalent courses at your new institution. They’ll assess factors like course content, credit hours, and the grading system to determine if the course is similar enough to be transferred.
2. General Education Requirements: Many schools will accept transfer credits for general education courses (like English, Math, History, etc.) as long as the course content aligns.
3. Major-Specific Courses: Some courses related to your major may transfer directly, but others may need to be evaluated more closely, especially if the curriculum differs significantly between schools.
4. Elective Credits: If a course doesn’t directly fit into your major or general education requirements, it might still transfer as an elective credit.
5. Grade Requirements: Be mindful that some schools may require a minimum grade (e.g., C or better) for the credits to transfer. 

After CASS completes the review, they’ll provide you with a transfer credit evaluation showing which credits have been accepted. If any credits don’t transfer, you can typically appeal or ask for further clarification.

Additional Requirements for International Students: 

• Financial Documentation: Provide proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs. This is necessary for the issuance of the I-20 form, which is required for the student visa application. 
• Visa Documentation: Once admitted, international students must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and schedule an appointment with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for an F-1 student visa.  

Application Process: 

1. Complete the Application: Fill out the application form and pay the application fee.
2. Submit Required Documents: Send all necessary documents, including transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and financial documentation.
3. Await Admission Decision: After reviewing your application, CAU will notify you of their decision.
4. Accept Offer and Pay Deposit: If accepted, confirm your intention to enroll and pay any required deposits.
5. Apply for Visa: Use the I-20 form provided by CAU to apply for an F-1 student visa.
6. Prepare for Arrival: Attend any orientation sessions and prepare for your studies at CAU. 

Your Student ID and PIN are included on your Red letter. This document contains all of the information you need to begin the enrollment process.

If you are unable to locate your letter, here are your next steps:

• Check Your Email:
  Look for messages from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Your Student ID and PIN are often included in your digital acceptance communications. Be sure to check your spam/junk folder as well.
• Access the Online Portal:
  Visit the CAU Admissions Status Portal or any student login page provided during the application process. In many cases, once logged in, students can view their Student ID and other important details.
• Contact Undergraduate Admissions:
  If you still cannot locate your information, reach out to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Admissions@cau.edu. A representative can verify your identity and guide you on how to retrieve your Student ID and PIN.

1-3 business days after paying the confirmation fee, use these instructions to set up your CAU email account:

Navigate to https://studentssb-prod.ec.cau.edu/StudentSelfService/login/auth  

• Enter your User ID (Student ID) and PIN (in Acceptance letter)
• Click on “Student Profile”
• Write down the information for the CAU email address

Return to www.cau.edu and scroll to the bottom of the page to find “My Password Portal”

• Enter Domain User Name (first part of your email address before @ sign) and click Continue
• Enter 900 number, security verification, and click Continue
• Enter New Password, Confirm New Password, security verification, and click Reset Password
• Password requirements: minimum 13 characters, must contain at least one of the following Letters, 1-Lowercase Letter, and 1 number and/or special character

After you successfully reset your password, you must register for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

• Navigate to www.cau.edu
• Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on MyCAU
• Enter your CAU email address as your login name

Refer to the following link for assistance with MFA registration: Muli-Factor Authentication Help

After MFA registration is complete, and you successfully log in, you will see the MyApps portal where you can access your email, BannerWeb, Canvas, and other apps