CSU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Comparable Facts

Compare Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC with Johnson & Wales University Charlotte in Charlotte, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Charleston Southern University is larger than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte based on total student enrollment (3,832 students vs. 1,184 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 14:1.

CSU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Charleston Southern University than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte ($21,080 vs. $28,084).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 17.6% lower than at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte ($12,200 vs. $14,800).
• Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is 30.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $9,899 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.4% higher at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte than at Charleston Southern University (about $9,899 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte than at Charleston Southern University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson & Wales University Charlotte students is 29.2% larger than aid received by Charleston Southern University students ($30,033 vs. $23,240).

CSU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte (1010).
• Incoming CSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte - Test optional.
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte (79.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 13.7% at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte.

CSU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Johnson & Wales University Charlotte's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Johnson & Wales University Charlotte earn a median of about $300 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,100 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Johnson & Wales University Charlotte graduates have a $100 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($26,900 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($278 vs. $279).
• More Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 50%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.