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Johnson C Smith University

Charlotte, NC·Private nonprofit·1,047 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access and students from lower-income families. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. 68% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

43%
Accept
1,047
Students
$20,011
Net Price
34%
Grad Rate
$31,400
Earnings
10 yr
$20,500
Debt

About This School

Johnson C Smith University is a private nonprofit institution located in Charlotte, North Carolina with approximately 1,047 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 43% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $20,011 per year. The graduation rate is 34%, and the typical graduate earns $31,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) is a private historically black university in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. It is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

The numbers tell a mixed story here — the HBCU community, Charlotte location, and manageable net price of ~$20K/year are genuine draws, but a 34% graduation rate and 63% freshman retention rate suggest many students struggle to finish, which is a serious concern worth investigating before enrolling. Median earnings of $31,400 a decade out are modest, though debt at graduation (~$20,500) is at least relatively contained. Worth a visit and honest conversations with current students if you're drawn to a small, tight-knit HBCU experience — but come in with a clear plan for staying on track.

Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing21%
Biological Sciences13%
Social Sciences11%
Computer Science8%
Communications7%
Psychology6%
Health Professions4%
Visual & Performing Arts3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$20,480
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,480
Avg Net Price
$20,011
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants68%
Median debt at graduation$20,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
34%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
63%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$31,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$20,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$20,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$26,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$31,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.5x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White1%
Black78%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,047 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Johnson C Smith University

100 Beatties Ford Road

Charlotte, NC 28216-5398

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in North Carolina

Browse all North Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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