JCSU vs. North Carolina Central University

Comparable Facts

Compare Johnson C Smith University in Charlotte, NC with North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Carolina Central University is larger than JCSU based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 1,302 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Johnson C Smith University is located in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting); North Carolina Central University is in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Johnson C Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Johnson C Smith University 12:1; North Carolina Central University 16:1.

JCSU vs. North Carolina Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCSU or North Carolina Central University? 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 North Carolina Central University than JCSU ($14,475 vs. $19,705).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson C Smith University are 36.1% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($8,600 vs. $13,450).
• Johnson C Smith University is 218% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $14,601 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.9% higher at JCSU than at North Carolina Central University (about $1,565 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson C Smith University than at North Carolina Central University (93% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson C Smith University students is 27% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($15,238 vs. $11,999).

JCSU vs. North Carolina Central University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCSU or North Carolina Central University? 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 North Carolina Central University and JCSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 150 points higher than at JCSU (890).
• Incoming North Carolina Central University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (17 vs. 15 at JCSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 800/980; North Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 13/18; North Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCSU - Test-free; North Carolina Central University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Carolina Central University students have a 0.79 point higher average high school GPA (3.27) than students at JCSU (2.48).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than JCSU (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at JCSU vs. 11% at North Carolina Central University.

JCSU vs. North Carolina Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCSU and North Carolina Central University? 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).

• North Carolina Central University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Johnson C Smith University's (37%).
• Graduates from North Carolina Central University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than JCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,200 vs. $30,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Carolina Central University graduates have a $1,050 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($31,000 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, North Carolina Central University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($320 vs. $331).
• More JCSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (26% vs. 23%)

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.