Union Commonwealth University vs. JCSU

Comparable Facts

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

Union Commonwealth University is larger than JCSU based on total student enrollment (1,324 students vs. 1,302 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Union Commonwealth University is located in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting); Johnson C Smith University is in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting).
• Union Commonwealth 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: Union Commonwealth University 14:1; Johnson C Smith University 12:1.

Union Commonwealth University vs. JCSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University than JCSU ($17,124 vs. $19,705).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 3.9% lower than at Johnson C Smith University ($8,261 vs. $8,600).
• Union Commonwealth University is 45.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than JCSU (about $9,646 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.3% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Johnson C Smith University (about $9,646 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Johnson C Smith University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 76.9% larger than aid received by Johnson C Smith University students ($26,961 vs. $15,238).

Union Commonwealth University vs. JCSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union Commonwealth University (1010) is 120 points higher than at JCSU (890).
• Incoming Union Commonwealth University 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: Union Commonwealth University 920/1105; Johnson C Smith University 800/980.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 14/21; Johnson C Smith University 13/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union Commonwealth University - Test optional; JCSU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Union Commonwealth University students have a 0.67 point higher average high school GPA (3.15) than students at JCSU (2.48).
• Union Commonwealth University has a higher acceptance rate (63.2%) than JCSU (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University vs. 12.8% at JCSU.

Union Commonwealth University vs. JCSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University's (32%).
• Graduates from Union Commonwealth University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than JCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,800 vs. $30,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $8,050 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($24,000 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($248 vs. $331).
• More Union Commonwealth University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCSU students, three years after graduation. (42% 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.