JCSU vs. Sterling College

Comparable Facts

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

Johnson C Smith University is larger than Sterling College based on total student enrollment (1,302 students vs. 57 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Johnson C Smith University is located in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting); Sterling College is in Craftsbury Common, VT (Remote Rural setting).
• Johnson C Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Johnson C Smith University 12:1; Sterling College 7:1.

JCSU vs. Sterling College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCSU or Sterling 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 Johnson C Smith University than Sterling College ($19,705 vs. $21,854).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson C Smith University are 21.5% lower than at Sterling College ($8,600 vs. $10,950).
• Sterling College is 91.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than JCSU (about $19,460 more per year; $40,760.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 91.4% higher at Sterling College than at Johnson C Smith University (about $19,460 more per year; $40,760.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sterling College than at Johnson C Smith University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sterling College students is 113.7% larger than aid received by Johnson C Smith University students ($32,556 vs. $15,238).

JCSU vs. Sterling College Admissions comparison

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

• 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; Sterling College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Sterling College students have a 0.62 point higher average high school GPA (3.1) than students at JCSU (2.48).
• Sterling College has a higher acceptance rate (66.7%) than JCSU (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at JCSU vs. 10.9% at Sterling College.

JCSU vs. Sterling College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCSU and Sterling 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).

• Sterling College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Johnson C Smith University's (37%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sterling College graduates have a $15,015 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($17,035 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, Sterling College graduates have an estimated $155 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($176 vs. $331).
• More Sterling College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCSU students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.