JCSU vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

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

Johnson C Smith University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (1,302 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Johnson C Smith University is located in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Johnson C Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Johnson C Smith University 12:1; Salem University 19:1.

JCSU vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCSU or Salem 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 Salem University than JCSU ($10,231 vs. $19,705).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 2.3% lower than at Johnson C Smith University ($8,400 vs. $8,600).
• Johnson C Smith University is 79% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem University (about $9,400 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79% higher at JCSU than at Salem University (about $9,400 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Johnson C Smith University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson C Smith University students is 77.8% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($15,238 vs. $8,569).

JCSU vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCSU or Salem 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 Salem University and JCSU.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 800/980.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 13/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCSU - Test-free; Salem University - Open admission.

JCSU vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCSU and Salem 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).

• Johnson C Smith University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Salem University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than JCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,600 vs. $30,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem University graduates have a $5,432 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($26,618 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, Salem University graduates have an estimated $56 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($275 vs. $331).
• More Salem University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCSU students, three years after graduation. (27% 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.