What is Clark Atlanta University (cau.edu)?

Updated

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is a historically Black university (HBCU) in Atlanta, Georgia, and cau.edu is its official website. The site serves as the main entry point for prospective students, current students, faculty, alumni, and visitors who want information on admissions, academics, research, student life, news, and events. If you are trying to confirm what the institution is, what it offers, or where to start on the site, the sections below cover the essentials.

What kind of institution is CAU?

CAU describes itself as "Exceptional Since 1865," placing its founding more than 150 years ago. It positions itself as a leading HBCU "dedicated to innovation, leadership development, and transforming students' lives."

Two points stand out for anyone evaluating the university:

  • Location: Atlanta, Georgia, at 223 James P. Brawley Dr., S.W., Atlanta, GA 30314. The site frames the city as an "extended campus," citing access to Fortune 500 internships, professional networks, and cultural sites.
  • Research standing: CAU states it is one of only 13 HBCUs with an R2 research designation, and it highlights faculty-student collaboration on real-world challenges.

What can you find on cau.edu?

The homepage organizes its main content into a few clear areas:

Area What it covers
Undergraduate Programs Academic exploration supported by faculty mentors; a "Find Your Program" entry point
Graduate and Professional Programs Advanced degrees for professionals, scholars, and innovators
Admissions Application and enrollment entry points, including "Apply Today"
Research & Innovation Student research and the R2 designation
Student Life Campus community and traditions
About / News / Events Institutional background, latest stories, and a calendar
Visit / Give / Directory Campus visits, giving, and contact lookups

The site also lists upcoming events, such as a School of Business Virtual Open House, a Homecoming 5k, and a School of Education Virtual Open House, with a "View All Events" link. Recent news items include a $9.78 million Department of War grant to expand AI and STEM research, a broadcasting award for CAU-TV, and an art museum feature.

How do you get started?

The homepage offers several direct paths depending on your goal:

  • Prospective students: Use "Begin Your Journey With Us," then "Find Your Program" for undergraduate options or "Explore Programs" for graduate and professional degrees. "Apply Today" leads to the application process.
  • Visitors: The "Visit" link and the campus address and phone number ((404) 880-8000) are listed in the footer.
  • General contact: A "Directory" link and "Media Inquiries" contact are provided.
  • Supporters: A "Give" link is available for donations.

For anyone outside the U.S. education system, note that "HBCU" means the university was established to serve Black students and remains central to that mission, and "R2" refers to a Carnegie classification for research universities with high research activity.

What to keep in mind

The homepage does not list tuition, fees, or admission requirements, so those details would need to be checked on the relevant admissions or financial aid pages. The site also shows a "Login" link, indicating some content or services sit behind an account, though the homepage itself is publicly accessible. If your goal is to apply, visit, or research a specific program, start from the program or admissions links rather than the general homepage text.