Paying for College
At Clark Atlanta University, we believe your education is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make. More than 90 percent of CAU students receive financial assistance, and we’re committed to helping every Panther access an exceptional CAU education through a range of financial aid options, scholarships, and flexible payment plans.
With recent groundbreaking gifts of $38 million from esteemed philanthropist MacKenzie Scott and $16.5 million as part of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation’s $50 Million HBCU Commitment, Clark Atlanta is uniquely positioned to provide competitive financial aid assistance to thousands of CAU students and families.
Getting familiar with tuition, financial aid, and scholarships takes time, but you can start getting answers by visiting our frequently asked questions and using our net price calculator to estimate your costs.
CAU Tuition and Fees
Tuition varies by undergraduate, graduate, and part-time programs as well as housing and meal plan options.
HBCU graduates earn 57 percent more in their lifetimes than they would without a degree, with full-time workers earning over $1 million in additional income throughout their careers.
How to Secure Financial Aid
Fill Out Your FAFSA Every Year
To receive financial aid, every applicant must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible using CAU’s federal school code: 001559.
Important: You must submit a FAFSA each year to continue to receive aid.
Types of Aid
Financial aid covers such expenses as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Aid can also help pay for other related expenses, such as a computer and dependent care. Student aid comes in the following categories:
- Federal Student Loans
- Stafford Loans
- Plus Loans
- Private Loans
- Work Study
- Cohort Default Rate (CDR) Information
Scholarships
First-year students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships when submitting their application to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Merit scholarships are competitive, and students must have a minimum 3.3 GPA to qualify; however, meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee a scholarship offer.
All students may apply for additional merit-based and need-based scholarships to help achieve their dreams. Scholarships are available for academic excellence, leadership, community service, and specialized fields of study.
Payment Plans, Discounts, and Documentation
Payments are processed through the Office of Student Accounts. Our team is available to work with you on managing your payment schedule and making sure you have the correct forms submitted each semester. We can also determine if you are eligible for CAU discounts.
We're Here to Help
The Office of Financial Aid is here to guide you through every step—from completing the FAFSA to understanding grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Our financial aid counselors are ready to assist you in building a plan that works for your goals and circumstances.
Contact us at:
(404) 880-8992
finaid@cau.edu
Office of Financial Aid, Haven-Warren Hall, Room 102
