Clark Atlanta University

Clark Atlanta University stands as a beacon of African American higher education, born from the powerful 1988 consolidation of two historically significant institutions: Atlanta University and Clark College. This merger brought together legacies of pioneering academic achievement, creating a dynamic learning environment deeply rooted in a commitment to excellence and social progress for prospective students and families.

Atlanta University, founded in 1865, blazed trails as one of the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the Southern United States. It proudly holds the distinction of being the nation's first graduate institution to award degrees to African Americans, and the first to confer bachelor's degrees to African Americans in the South. Demonstrating an early commitment to inclusivity, it was also among the first HBCUs to accept female students and house them in a dormitory, reflecting a progressive vision for education.

Complementing this, Clark College, established in 1869, proudly holds the title of the nation's first four-year liberal arts college dedicated to African-American students. Today, Clark Atlanta University continues this rich tradition, offering robust academic programs in professional fields such as Library Science, Education, Business Administration, and Social Work. As a vital part of the renowned Atlanta University Center, students benefit from a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, shaped by the influence of historic figures like W. E. B. Du Bois and an unwavering dedication to academic rigor, preparing them for impactful careers.