Clark Atlanta University Recognized Among Top 10 HBCUs in LinkedIn's Inaugural Rankings

Ranked Eighth Nationwide, Clark Atlanta University is Celebrated for Preparing Students for Lasting Career Success, Based on Alumni Career Outcomes

ATLANTA, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is proud to announce its ranking as the eighth best Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in LinkedIn's inaugural Top 10 Colleges ranking, which highlights institutions that best prepare their graduates for long-term career success. This recognition underscores the pivotal role that HBCUs play in the U.S. educational landscape, particularly as enrollment numbers rebound following pandemic lows.

Commitment to Career Success
The LinkedIn Top 10 Colleges methodology evaluates institutions based on the career outcomes of their alumni, measuring factors such as the speed at which graduates secure full-time positions and their advancement into senior-level roles. As one of the leading HBCUs, CAU is dedicated to equipping its students with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in their careers.

Addressing Global Market Demands
"Being ranked as the eighth best HBCU is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our faculty, staff, and students," states Clark Atlanta University President George T. French, Jr., Ph.D., in highlighting the university's commitment to preparing students for the evolving global job market. "As we continue to enhance our programs and resources, including our innovative offerings in artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber-physical systems, we remain focused on ensuring that our graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the ever-changing workforce and global economy."

Diverse Graduate Programs
Clark Atlanta University offers a diverse array of graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, education, public administration, and social work. Notably, CAU has also introduced cutting-edge programs in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and cyber-physical systems, preparing students to excel in the global market. These programs are designed to provide students with the advanced knowledge and practical skills required to navigate today's competitive job landscape. CAU's faculty, comprised of accomplished scholars and industry professionals, is committed to fostering a dynamic learning environment that encourages innovation and critical thinking.

Celebrating Faculty Contributions
Clark Atlanta University Provost Charlene Gilbert, Ph.D., emphasized the vital role of faculty in this achievement, stating, "This recognition is a reflection of our dedicated faculty who are committed to providing an exceptional educational experience. Their unwavering support and mentorship empower our students to thrive in their careers. At Clark Atlanta University, we believe in the potential of our students and the transformative power of education, which is made possible through the excellence of our faculty."

A Rich History of Excellence
With its parent institutions Atlanta University and Clark College founded in 1865 and 1869 respectively, Clark Atlanta University has a rich history of academic excellence and a commitment to social justice and community empowerment. As the only university in the Atlanta University Center, CAU stands at the heart of a consortium that includes renowned institutions such as Spelman College and Morehouse College. This unique position fosters collaborative opportunities for students, enhancing their educational journey and expanding their professional networks.

About Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University was formed with the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College. Atlanta University, established in 1865 by the American Missionary Association, was the nation's first institution to award graduate degrees to African Americans. Clark College, established four years later in 1869, was the nation's first four-year liberal arts college to serve a primarily African American student population. Today, with nearly 4,000 students, CAU is the largest of the four institutions (CAU, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Morehouse School of Medicine) that comprise the Atlanta University Center Consortium. It is also the largest of the 37-member UNCF institutions. CAU offers a wide range of bachelor, master and doctorate degree programs in business, education, public administration, and social work and in innovative fields such as cyber-physical systems.

Notable alumni include: James Weldon Johnson, poet, and songwriter of Lift Every Voice and Sing "The Black National Anthem"; Ralph David Abernathy Sr., American civil rights activist; Congressman Hank Johnson, Georgia District 4; Kenya Barris, American award-winning television and movie producer; Kenny Leon, Tony Award-winning Broadway Director; and Jacque Reid, Emmy Award-winning Television Personality and Journalist. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit www.cau.edu.

SOURCE Clark Atlanta University