The Worst Colleges for Bachelor’s Degree Payoff, Ranked

Clark Atlanta University carries the legacy of two major HBCU institutions: Atlanta University, founded in 1865, and Clark College, founded in 1869. The two merged in 1988, creating a private research university in Atlanta with deep roots in African American higher education and the city’s civil rights history.

At -$1,000, the 10-year payoff is almost break-even, but still slightly negative. That may reflect tuition costs, student debt, completion patterns, and graduates entering a wide range of career fields. Over time, the number could improve for alumni who move into higher-paying careers or use Atlanta’s professional networks.