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CLT Colleges in
Georgia

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CLT Colleges in Georgia

A growing number of U.S. colleges in Georgia now recognize the Classic Learning Test (CLT) for undergraduate admissions, making it a compelling option alongside conventional standardized exams. A relatively recent addition to college admissions testing, the CLT distinguishes itself through its focus on text-based analysis.

As of 2025, over 300 schools accept the CLT, with more universities nationwide adopting this exam each year. If you are considering applying to faith-based liberal arts institutions, many of these schools now accept the exam as part of their application process. For students seeking broader options, the number of colleges that consider CLT scores has rapidly expanded.

Below is a comprehensive list of colleges in Georgia currently accepting the CLT, including details on average accepted scores, tuition rates, and campus locations. In this guide, you’ll find everything you’ll need to compare your college options and begin your test preparation confidently.

What is the CLT?

The CLT is a college entrance exam grounded in the values and principles of a traditional liberal arts education. Launched in 2015, the exam is unique for its focus on history, literature, philosophy, and mathematical logic, drawing heavily upon the Western intellectual tradition. The test differs from other college admissions exams in that it requires students to analyze longer texts written by canonical authors, philosophers, and scholars. If you take the CLT, you’re likely to encounter passages from works by Aristotle, Plato, Frederick Douglass, Jane Austen, and other great writers of the past. Students can take this exam in their junior or senior year instead of the more common SAT or ACT, and it is considered as rigorous in measuring the reading, grammar, and mathematical skills needed for undergraduate studies. Despite the exam’s focus on traditional content, the CLT adopts a modern approach to test-taking by being primarily administered online.

The test also diverges from other exams by asking students to go beyond basic comprehension and truly connect with the works presented. Jeremy Tate, the instructor and CEO of the CLT, found that having students engage directly with enriching literature enabled them to derive deeper meaning from the material. As a teacher, he observed that contemporary education pushes students to focus on achieving high scores on assignments and tests without fully engaging with the content taught. He describes the exam’s method as follows:

“The work we are doing puts the very best texts in front of students…Give them something that deserves their attention, and they will respond.”

The test emphasizes philosophical inquiry, prompting students to consider the relevance of each passage to everyday life.

In addition to assessing core academic competencies, the CLT requires students to apply higher-order thinking and evaluative skills to each question. The test’s emphasis on logical inference, reasoning, and reflective judgment helps students improve their analytical proficiency and enhances the test-taking experience. Classic texts can be dense and difficult to parse, but the skills gained through rigorous, argumentative analysis are both crucial and timeless.

Why take the CLT?

The CLT is a fantastic option for students who excel at complex textual analysis and classical approaches to learning. For students who love classic literature and writing, the CLT offers an enriching examination that aligns with their strengths and interests. While success on the ACT and the SAT relies more on skills gained through standard instruction, the CLT takes test-taking a step further by emphasizing critical and logical thinking, even within the quantitative section.

For students from non-traditional educational backgrounds, such as those who are homeschooled or attend faith-based high schools, the CLT assessment may offer an advantage. The test is designed specifically for those who have been taught using more holistic, text-based curricula than those found in conventional schooling.

The exam also offers unmatched flexibility: at about two hours, the CLT is much shorter than the ACT (with all sections). The test is also offered more frequently throughout the year than other exams and can be taken either at home or in a proctored setting. Remote proctoring offers a convenient, accessible option not available for the SAT or ACT.

The most important factor to consider, however, is school choice, as the number of institutions that accept the CLT at this time is limited. However, the CLT offers a great alternative for those set on applying to specialized schools that also place a strong emphasis on traditional learning.

Which colleges accept the CLT?

The CLT primarily opens up opportunities at smaller colleges with curricula steeped in cultural and historical analysis. Students who are committed to attending a private, religious institution, such as Liberty University, Texas Christian University, or Wheaton College, should strongly consider taking the CLT to demonstrate the skills valued by these schools.

In 2024, thirty Christian colleges in the U.S. experienced significant enrollment growth, bucking the national trend of declining undergraduate matriculation rates following the COVID-19 pandemic. As interest in faith-based learning grows, the importance and relevance of the CLT in college admissions continues to rise.

While most schools that accept the CLT fill a particular niche, taking the exam does not preclude admission at a larger research institution, such as the University of Florida. U.S. service academies that train future military officers will begin accepting the CLT in 2027, further expanding options for those who choose to take it. While the majority of schools that accept the exam are located in the U.S., a growing number of international schools are now entering partnerships with the CLT.

List of CLT colleges

Familiarizing yourself with the colleges that accept the CLT can help you decide if the exam is right for you and assess your options when applying to schools. Each listing features key information, including average CLT scores, school location, annual tuition, and total cost of attendance. Brief descriptions and direct homepage links are included, making it easy to learn more about each university’s distinctive programs, academic opportunities, and admissions requirements.

Scroll down to discover the schools that meet your criteria and align with your academic goals:

Brewton-Parker College cost and key information

Brewton-Parker College acceptance rate is 86%. The average SAT Reading and Writing score for Brewton-Parker College is 510, and the Math score is 500. The average SAT composite score is 1010. The average ACT composite score is 23. The average CLT Verbal Reasoning score is 40, and the Quantitative Reasoning score is 17. The average CLT composite score is 61. The tuition fee is $18,400 and the total cost is $28,950. Learn more on the tuition page.
Brewton-Parker College
Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons / "Brewton-Parker College Doorway, Flagpole" / CC BY-SA 4.0
Brewton-Parker College is a four-year Christian institution located in Mount Vernon and Newnan, Georgia, affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention. Established in 1904 as the Union Baptist Institute, it evolved into a junior college in 1923 and became a four-year college in 1986. The college offers baccalaureate degrees in fields such as English, Christian ministry, biology, and business, fostering a Christ-centered environment with active campus ministries like BCM, MA, and FCA. The Barons compete in 15 NAIA sports within the SSAC, including baseball, basketball, soccer, and wrestling.

Covenant College cost and key information

Covenant College acceptance rate is 97.2%. The average SAT Reading and Writing score for Covenant College is 640, and the Math score is 600. The average SAT composite score is 620. The average ACT composite score is 27. The average CLT Verbal Reasoning score is 61, and the Quantitative Reasoning score is 24. The average CLT composite score is 87. The tuition fee is $42,390 and the total cost is $62,250. Learn more on the tuition page.
Covenant College
Jud McCranie / Wikimedia Commons / "Covenant College Lookout Mountain GA US" / CC BY-SA 4.0
Covenant College, founded in 1955, is a Christ-centered educational institution. It is located in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, and it promotes the primacy of Jesus Christ in academics and community life. It is SACS-accredited and provides a variety of degrees from a Reformed Christian perspective, with an emphasis on academic excellence anchored in biblical principles. The college's 64 full-time faculty members preserve a student-centered atmosphere, with a student-faculty ratio of 12:1. Covenant's sporting teams, the Scots, participate in NCAA Division III, and the campus, located atop Lookout Mountain, is home to the legendary Carter Hall, a major historical edifice that has been extensively rebuilt in recent years.

Holy Spirit College cost and key information

Holy Spirit College, the Atlanta-based campus of Pontifex University, is a private Roman Catholic institution founded in 2005. It offers a Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) and emphasizes philosophy, theology, and liberal arts. Initially serving Holy Spirit Preparatory School, it expanded to a full undergraduate program in 2010. The college shares its campus with Holy Spirit Parish and Preparatory School, providing dedicated facilities. Governed by Chancellor Monsignor Edward J. Dillon and President Gareth N. Genner, it maintains affiliations with the Archdiocese of Atlanta and academic societies but lacks regional accreditation.

Impact 360 cost and key information

The tuition fee is $22,900 and the total cost is $42,900. Learn more on the tuition page.
Impact 360 Institute, located in Pine Mountain, Georgia, was founded in 2006 by John and Trudy Cathy White to equip young adults with Christ-centered leadership skills. A division of Lifeshape, Inc., the Institute offers programs such as Impact 360 Fellows (Gap Year), Impact 360 Immersion, Impact 360 Propel, and Impact 360 Residency. These initiatives focus on biblical worldview education, leadership coaching, vocational mentoring, and discipleship. With over 600 Fellows graduates from 35 states and 14 countries, the Institute continues to develop young leaders for faith-based influence.
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Shorter University cost and key information

Shorter University acceptance rate is 97%. The average SAT Reading and Writing score for Shorter University is 580, and the Math score is 550. The average ACT composite score is 23. The average CLT Verbal Reasoning score is 51, and the Quantitative Reasoning score is 21.
Shorter University
Thomson M / Wikimedia Commons, / "Shorter University School of Education" / CC BY 3.0
Shorter University, founded in 1873 in Rome, Georgia, is a private Baptist liberal arts institution offering bachelor’s, associate’s, and master’s degrees. It operates the Robert H. Ledbetter College of Business and the School of Nursing. Originally a women’s college, it became co-educational in the 1950s and joined NCAA Division II, now competing in Conference Carolinas. The university faced controversy over a 2011 personal lifestyle statement and received a Title IX exemption in 2016. Shorter expanded academic programs, added international initiatives, and changed its name from Shorter College in 2010. It maintains a Christ-centered educational mission and ranks among top Southeastern colleges by U.S. News & World Report.

Toccoa Falls College cost and key information

Toccoa Falls College acceptance rate is 64%. The average SAT Reading and Writing score for Toccoa Falls College is 650, and the Math score is 600. The average SAT composite score is 1160. The average ACT composite score is 25. The average CLT Verbal Reasoning score is 62, and the Quantitative Reasoning score is 26. The average CLT composite score is 79. The tuition fee is $24,950 and the total cost is $33,930. Learn more on the tuition page.
Toccoa Falls College (TFC) is a private evangelical Christian college in Toccoa Falls, Georgia, founded in 1907. Affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, it spans 1,100 acres near the Chattahoochee National Forest and features the 186-foot Toccoa Falls waterfall. Originally established as Golden Valley Institute, it moved to Georgia in 1911. TFC offers over 55 academic programs across four schools, emphasizing faith-based education. With around 2,500 students, small class sizes foster a close-knit community. Accredited by SACS, TFC provides on-campus, online, and dual-enrollment options, preparing students professionally and spiritually in a Christ-centered learning environment.

Truett McConnell University cost and key information

Truett McConnell University acceptance rate is 59%. The average SAT Reading and Writing score for Truett McConnell University is 620, and the Math score is 523. The average SAT composite score is 1210. The average ACT composite score is 23. The average CLT Verbal Reasoning score is 57, and the Quantitative Reasoning score is 23. The average CLT composite score is 84. The tuition fee is $13,080 and the total cost is $39,028. Learn more on the tuition page.
Truett McConnell University (TMU) is a private Baptist institution in Cleveland, Georgia, affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention. Founded in 1946 as Truett-McConnell College, it became a four-year institution in 2002 and gained university status in 2016. TMU offers undergraduate and online programs in business, Christian studies, education, humanities, and sciences. With over 2,100 students, the university continues expanding its campus facilities. Its athletic teams, the Bears, compete in the NAIA's Appalachian Athletic Conference across 22 varsity sports.

How is the CLT scored?

CLT scoring is straightforward: the test contains 120 multiple-choice questions, each worth one point. Each individual section of the exam contributes up to 40 points toward your overall score. The average CLT score falls between 75 and 80, and a score above 90 is considered competitive.

There are three main parts of the exam, not including an optional essay, which cover foundational skills for undergraduate admission:

  • Verbal Reasoning (40 questions)
  • Grammar and Writing (40 questions)
  • Quantitative Reasoning (40 questions)

Each section is further divided into content domains. For Verbal Reasoning, the two main subsections are Analysis and Comprehension, which include questions on interpreting and comparing passages. For Grammar/Writing, the corresponding sections require students to answer questions on agreement, punctuation, sentence structure, style, and word choice. Algebra, Geometry, and Mathematical Reasoning make up the mathematical content covered in the Quantitative Reasoning section.

How do CLT scores compare to the SAT and ACT?

The official CLT concordance table helps test-takers understand how CLT scores translate to scores on the ACT and SAT, the two exams most frequently used for college admission decisions. For example, a score of 70 on the CLT corresponds to a 1080 on the SAT or a 21 on the ACT, both of which fall within the 60th–70th percentile on each test.

The table below lists CLT scores in intervals of 20 alongside corresponding ranges of SAT and ACT scores:

CLT intervalSAT rangeACT range
0 – 19510 – 6509 – 11
20 – 39660 – 82011 – 14
40 – 59830 – 100015 – 19
60 – 791000 – 116019 – 24
80 – 991170 – 138024 – 30
100 – 1201390 – 160031 – 36

Because the ACT and SAT are more widely used for college admissions, students can use the table above to gauge how their CLT scores compare with those of a larger group. If you’re deciding between exams for your college applications, start by taking ACT, SAT, and CLT practice tests and comparing your scores. You might find that the CLT’s structure and content are a better fit, even if the SAT and ACT are more widely accepted.

Do CLT colleges also accept the SAT and ACT?

All colleges that recognize the CLT also take SAT or ACT scores. The SAT and ACT remain the most widely used undergraduate admissions exams, focusing primarily on technical math, grammar, and reading knowledge. The choice of which test or tests to take depends heavily on your assessment preferences and the variety of schools you’re applying to. If you’ve narrowed your list down to schools that partner with the CLT, then you will not need to take an additional exam.

How do I register for the CLT?

To register for the CLT exam, begin by creating an online account through the official CLT website. Once your account is set up, you can register for the CLT by selecting the appropriate exam. Be sure to choose carefully, as the CLT3-8 test and CLT10 exam are designed for younger students. The online registration platform allows you to pick your preferred CLT test date, decide whether to take the exam in-person or remotely, and securely pay your exam fee to finalize your registration.

For the best results on the CLT exam, plan to dedicate at least 3 – 4 months to focused preparation; consistent studying and practice will maximize your potential for achieving a top score.

Conclusion

The CLT caters to college applicants who value rigorous academics and classical learning; it goes beyond rote memorization, focusing on interpretive and analytical skills over other tests. Some of the leading religious and liberal arts institutions in the U.S. accept the CLT exam as part of their admissions process. The schools listed above in Georgia offer excellent choices for students seeking a college community rooted in traditional learning and values. With the exam growing in popularity and the scope of schools accepting CLT scores expanding, students who take the test now have more options than ever.

For more information on the exam and preparation tips, visit our CLT course guide and exam overview.

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