JCSU vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

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

West Virginia State University is larger than JCSU based on total student enrollment (3,246 students vs. 1,302 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Johnson C Smith University is located in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting); West Virginia State University is in Institute, WV (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Johnson C Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Johnson C Smith University 12:1; West Virginia State University 13:1.

JCSU vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCSU or WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University than JCSU ($11,055 vs. $19,705).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson C Smith University are 36.4% lower than at West Virginia State University ($8,600 vs. $13,522).
• Johnson C Smith University is 122.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVSU (about $11,730 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $9,570.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.1% higher at JCSU than at West Virginia State University (about $6,310 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson C Smith University than at West Virginia State University (93% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson C Smith University students is 69.4% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($15,238 vs. $8,993).

JCSU vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at West Virginia State University (900) is 10 points higher than at JCSU (890).
• Incoming WVSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (17 vs. 15 at JCSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 800/980; West Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 13/18; West Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCSU - Test-free; WVSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman WVSU students have a 0.76 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at JCSU (2.48).
• WVSU has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than JCSU (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at JCSU vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

JCSU vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCSU and WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from West Virginia State University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than JCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($32,700 vs. $30,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia State University graduates have a $8,800 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($23,250 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, WVSU graduates have an estimated $91 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($240 vs. $331).
• More WVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCSU students, three years after graduation. (35% 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.