USW vs. JCSU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of the Southwest in Hobbs, NM 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 USW based on total student enrollment (1,302 students vs. 1,130 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of the Southwest is located in Hobbs, NM (Rural Fringe setting); Johnson C Smith University is in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting).
• University of the Southwest is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson C Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of the Southwest 21:1; Johnson C Smith University 12:1.

USW vs. JCSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USW 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 University of the Southwest than JCSU ($17,243 vs. $19,705).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the Southwest are 5.8% lower than at Johnson C Smith University ($8,100 vs. $8,600).
• Johnson C Smith University is 27.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than USW (about $4,630 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.8% higher at JCSU than at University of the Southwest (about $4,630 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the Southwest than at Johnson C Smith University (99% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson C Smith University students is 46% larger than aid received by University of the Southwest students ($15,238 vs. $10,436).

USW vs. JCSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USW 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 USW.

• University of the Southwest reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsJohnson C Smith University 800/980.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsJohnson C Smith University 13/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USW - Open admission; JCSU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman USW students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (2.63) than students at JCSU (2.48).

USW vs. JCSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USW 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 University of the Southwest's (18%).
• Graduates from University of the Southwest earn a median of about $15,400 more per year than JCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $30,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of the Southwest graduates have a $8,550 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($23,500 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, USW graduates have an estimated $89 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($242 vs. $331).
• More USW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCSU students, three years after graduation. (47% 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.