JCSU vs. W&J

Comparable Facts

Compare Johnson C Smith University in Charlotte, NC with Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washington & Jefferson College is larger than JCSU based on total student enrollment (1,309 students vs. 1,302 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Johnson C Smith University is located in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting); Washington & Jefferson College is in Washington, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Johnson C Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington & Jefferson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Johnson C Smith University 12:1; Washington & Jefferson College 11:1.

JCSU vs. W&J Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCSU or W&J? 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 W&J ($19,705 vs. $22,702).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson C Smith University are 41.5% lower than at Washington & Jefferson College ($8,600 vs. $14,710).
• Washington & Jefferson College is 38% more expensive for in-state tuition than JCSU (about $8,092 more per year; $29,392.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38% higher at W&J than at Johnson C Smith University (about $8,092 more per year; $29,392.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington & Jefferson College than at Johnson C Smith University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington & Jefferson College students is 32.2% larger than aid received by Johnson C Smith University students ($20,152 vs. $15,238).

JCSU vs. W&J Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCSU or W&J? 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 W&J and JCSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington & Jefferson College (1130) is 240 points higher than at JCSU (890).
• Incoming W&J students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 15 at JCSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 800/980; Washington & Jefferson College 1010/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 13/18; Washington & Jefferson College 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCSU - Test-free; W&J - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman W&J students have a 1.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at JCSU (2.48).
• W&J has a higher acceptance rate (80.6%) than JCSU (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at JCSU vs. 12.6% at W&J.

JCSU vs. W&J Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCSU and W&J? 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).

• Washington & Jefferson College's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Johnson C Smith University's (37%).
• Graduates from Washington & Jefferson College earn a median of about $26,600 more per year than JCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $30,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington & Jefferson College graduates have a $5,050 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($27,000 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, W&J graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($279 vs. $331).
• More W&J graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCSU students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.