WSSU vs. Johnson University

Comparable Facts

Compare Winston Salem State University in Winston-Salem, NC with Johnson University in Knoxville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Winston Salem State University is larger than Johnson University based on total student enrollment (4,782 students vs. 978 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Winston Salem State University is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Johnson University is in Knoxville, TN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Winston Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Winston Salem State University 15:1; Johnson University 12:1.

WSSU vs. Johnson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSSU or Johnson University? 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 Winston Salem State University than Johnson University ($12,989 vs. $22,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson University are 13.8% lower than at Winston Salem State University ($9,900 vs. $11,484).
• Johnson University is 244.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSSU (about $14,996 more per year; $21,122.00 vs. $6,126.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.9% higher at Johnson University than at Winston Salem State University (about $4,340 more per year; $21,122.00 vs. $16,782.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson University than at Winston Salem State University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson University students is 15.6% larger than aid received by Winston Salem State University students ($11,630 vs. $10,057).

WSSU vs. Johnson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSSU or Johnson University? 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 Johnson University and WSSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Johnson University (1040) is 110 points higher than at WSSU (930).
• Incoming Johnson University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at WSSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 830/1020; Johnson University 960/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 15/20; Johnson University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSSU - Test optional; Johnson University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSSU Feb 15, 2027; Johnson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Johnson University students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at WSSU (3.01).
• WSSU has a higher acceptance rate (78.3%) than Johnson University (65.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at WSSU vs. 32.3% at Johnson University.

WSSU vs. Johnson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSSU and Johnson University? 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 University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Winston Salem State University's (41%).
• Graduates from Winston Salem State University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than Johnson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,700 vs. $31,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Johnson University graduates have a $4,283 lower median loan debt than WSSU graduates ($21,380 vs. $25,663).
• Among borrowers, Johnson University graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WSSU graduates ($221 vs. $265).
• More Johnson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSSU students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 33%)

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.