JCSU vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College is larger than JCSU based on total student enrollment (1,725 students vs. 1,302 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

JCSU vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCSU or Columbia College? 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 JCSU ($18,790 vs. $19,705).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson C Smith University are 8.4% lower than at Columbia College ($8,600 vs. $9,390).
• Columbia College is 4.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than JCSU (about $914 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.3% higher at Columbia College than at Johnson C Smith University (about $914 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at Johnson C Smith University (97% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 8% larger than aid received by Johnson C Smith University students ($16,451 vs. $15,238).

JCSU vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCSU or Columbia College? 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 Columbia College and JCSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia College (1000) is 110 points higher than at JCSU (890).
• Incoming Columbia College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (16 vs. 15 at JCSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 800/980; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 13/18; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCSU - Test-free; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 1.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at JCSU (2.48).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than JCSU (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at JCSU vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

JCSU vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCSU and Columbia College? 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 C Smith University's (37%).
• Graduates from Columbia College earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than JCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,700 vs. $30,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $6,786 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($25,264 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($261 vs. $331).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCSU students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 26%)

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.