JCSU vs. Wake Forest

Comparable Facts

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

Wake Forest University is larger than JCSU based on total student enrollment (9,322 students vs. 1,302 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Johnson C Smith University is located in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting); Wake Forest University is in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Johnson C Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wake Forest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Johnson C Smith University 12:1; Wake Forest University 10:1.

JCSU vs. Wake Forest Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCSU or Wake Forest? 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 Wake Forest ($19,705 vs. $24,401).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson C Smith University are 53.5% lower than at Wake Forest University ($8,600 vs. $18,494).
• Wake Forest University is 217.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than JCSU (about $46,342 more per year; $67,642.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 217.6% higher at Wake Forest than at Johnson C Smith University (about $46,342 more per year; $67,642.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson C Smith University than at Wake Forest University (93% vs. 35%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wake Forest University students is 314.2% larger than aid received by Johnson C Smith University students ($63,117 vs. $15,238).

JCSU vs. Wake Forest Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCSU or Wake Forest? 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 Wake Forest and JCSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wake Forest University (1470) is 580 points higher than at JCSU (890).
• Incoming Wake Forest students have a 18 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 15 at JCSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 800/980; Wake Forest University 1410/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 13/18; Wake Forest University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCSU - Test-free; Wake Forest - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wake Forest Jan 1, 2027.
• JCSU has a higher acceptance rate (45.2%) than Wake Forest (21.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at JCSU vs. 36.1% at Wake Forest.

JCSU vs. Wake Forest Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCSU and Wake Forest? 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).

• Wake Forest University's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Johnson C Smith University's (37%).
• Graduates from Wake Forest University earn a median of about $46,900 more per year than JCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,200 vs. $30,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wake Forest University graduates have a $9,050 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($23,000 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, Wake Forest graduates have an estimated $94 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($237 vs. $331).
• More Wake Forest graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCSU students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.