Rockford University vs. JCSU

Comparable Facts

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

Johnson C Smith University is larger than Rockford University based on total student enrollment (1,302 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Rockford University vs. JCSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockford University or JCSU? 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 Rockford University ($19,705 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson C Smith University are 24.7% lower than at Rockford University ($8,600 vs. $11,420).
• Rockford University is 77.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than JCSU (about $16,480 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77.4% higher at Rockford University than at Johnson C Smith University (about $16,480 more per year; $37,780.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rockford University than at Johnson C Smith University (98% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockford University students is 68.5% larger than aid received by Johnson C Smith University students ($25,671 vs. $15,238).

Rockford University vs. JCSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rockford University (960) is 70 points higher than at JCSU (890).
• Incoming Rockford University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 15 at JCSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 850/1070; Johnson C Smith University 800/980.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 17/23; Johnson C Smith University 13/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockford University - Test optional; JCSU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Rockford University students have a 0.77 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at JCSU (2.48).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than JCSU (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Rockford University vs. 12.8% at JCSU.

Rockford University vs. JCSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockford University and JCSU? 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 Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from Rockford University earn a median of about $14,300 more per year than JCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $30,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockford University graduates have a $7,050 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($25,000 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, Rockford University graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($258 vs. $331).
• More Rockford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCSU students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.