Columbia College vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College is larger than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte based on total student enrollment (1,725 students vs. 1,184 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Columbia College vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College 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 Columbia College than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte ($18,790 vs. $28,084).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 36.6% lower than at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte ($9,390 vs. $14,800).
• Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is 91% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $20,205 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 91% higher at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte than at Columbia College (about $20,205 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte than at Columbia College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson & Wales University Charlotte students is 82.6% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($30,033 vs. $16,451).

Columbia College vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College 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 Columbia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte (1010) is 10 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 850/1140; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 14/18; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Test-free; Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte - Test optional.
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte (79.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Columbia College vs. 13.7% at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte.

Columbia College vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College 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).

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Johnson & Wales University Charlotte's (49%).
• Graduates from Johnson & Wales University Charlotte earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,100 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $1,636 lower median loan debt than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates ($25,264 vs. $26,900).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates ($261 vs. $278).
• More Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 43%)

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.