Clark Atlanta University is a small, private Division II HBCU, but it recently out-paced the University of Georgia (UGA) in one aspect.
A record-breaking 46,000 prospective students applied to be a part of the freshman class of 2024, according to WSB-TV 2. That number is more than UGA the state flagship institution in Athens.
“To see 46,000 applications for essentially 1,200 seats is nothing less than phenomenal,” said CAU President Dr. George French.
Not only is the incoming class large – it is also accomplished.
“The average GPA of incoming students is 3.71. Five years ago it was 2.8,” French indicated. “The brand is strong. Our retention and graduation rates are increasing. That’s what these numbers are indicators of.”
Overall enrollment for the HBCU is now around 4,200, according to the report.
About Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University (CAU), founded in 1988 by the consolidation of Clark College (1869) and Atlanta University (1865), is a historically Black university (HBCU) located in Atlanta, Georgia. It is part of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, the world’s largest association of historically Black colleges and universities. CAU offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various disciplines, with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and leadership.
CAU boasts a distinguished roster of alumni, including civil rights leader Ralph David Abernathy and Emmy Award-winning actress Kenya Barris. These accomplished graduates reflect the university’s legacy of producing influential leaders in various fields, from social activism to entertainment.