JCSU vs. University of Charleston

Comparable Facts

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

University of Charleston is larger than JCSU based on total student enrollment (3,062 students vs. 1,302 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Johnson C Smith University is located in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting); University of Charleston is in Charleston, WV (Small City setting).
• Johnson C Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Charleston is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Johnson C Smith University 12:1; University of Charleston 15:1.

JCSU vs. University of Charleston Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCSU or University of Charleston? 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 University of Charleston ($19,705 vs. $20,844).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson C Smith University are 30% lower than at University of Charleston ($8,600 vs. $12,280).
• University of Charleston is 58.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than JCSU (about $12,500 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.7% higher at University of Charleston than at Johnson C Smith University (about $12,500 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Charleston than at Johnson C Smith University (97% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Charleston students is 71.5% larger than aid received by Johnson C Smith University students ($26,132 vs. $15,238).

JCSU vs. University of Charleston Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCSU or University of Charleston? 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 University of Charleston and JCSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Charleston (1070) is 180 points higher than at JCSU (890).
• Incoming University of Charleston students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 15 at JCSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 800/980; University of Charleston 985/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 13/18; University of Charleston 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCSU - Test-free; University of Charleston - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman University of Charleston students have a 0.65 point higher average high school GPA (3.13) than students at JCSU (2.48).
• University of Charleston has a higher acceptance rate (61.5%) than JCSU (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at JCSU vs. 16.8% at University of Charleston.

JCSU vs. University of Charleston Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCSU and University of Charleston? 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).

• University of Charleston's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Johnson C Smith University's (37%).
• Graduates from University of Charleston earn a median of about $14,900 more per year than JCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $30,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have a $11,550 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($20,500 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have an estimated $120 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($211 vs. $331).
• More University of Charleston graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCSU students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.