Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte logo

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Charlotte, NC·Private nonprofit·1,184 students
Last updated: April 1, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker; 52% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

80%
Accept
1,184
Students
$27,426
Net Price
49%
Grad Rate
$42,200
Earnings
10 yr
$26,000
Debt

About This School

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte is a private nonprofit institution located in Charlotte, North Carolina with approximately 1,184 undergraduate students enrolled. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 80%. The average net price after financial aid is $27,426 per year. The graduation rate is 49%, and the typical graduate earns $42,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Students drawn to hospitality, culinary arts, or business who want a small, career-focused campus in a thriving city like Charlotte will find a lot to like here — but the numbers deserve a hard look before you commit. The 49% graduation rate is a genuine red flag, meaning roughly half of students who start here don't finish, and a 72% freshman retention rate suggests many students are reconsidering after just one year. On the financial side, the $27,426 average net price is manageable, but median earnings of $42,200 a decade after enrollment are modest for a private school carrying $26,000 in median debt — that's a tight margin. This school makes the most sense if you have a clear career goal in its core programs, a solid financial aid package that brings your costs well below the average, and a plan to stay engaged and on track from day one. Before enrolling, I'd strongly encourage visiting campus, talking to current students, and asking the financial aid office for a personalized cost estimate — because for the right student with the right package, it can work, but the data says you should go in with eyes wide open.

Setting
Large city
Avg Faculty Salary
$10,592

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing19%
Psychology3%
Health Professions0%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1007
Reading 75th %ile570
Math 75th %ile560

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$42,419
Out-of-State Tuition
$42,419
Avg Net Price
$27,426
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$23,414
$30–48k$24,568
$48–75k$25,109
$75–110k$30,117
$110k+$33,680

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants52%
Median debt at graduation$26,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
49%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
72%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$26,000
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$35,200
Female graduates$31,900

Gap: 9% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$26,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.6x

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

White34%
Black42%
Hispanic/Latino13%
Asian2%
Two or more races4%
American Indian/Alaska Native1%
International1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,184 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Academic Center, 801 West Trade Street

Charlotte, NC 28202

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in North Carolina

Browse all North Carolina schools →

See How Colleges Compare

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte is one of thousands of colleges in our data studies, each built from the same U.S. Department of Education data shown on this page. Compare schools head to head:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%, based on the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Is Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte hard to get into?

Not especially. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%, so admissions are relatively accessible for applicants who meet the requirements.

How much does Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte cost?

The average net price at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte is about $27,426 per year after grants and scholarships, based on federal data. Your actual cost depends on your family's finances and aid package.

What is the graduation rate at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte has a graduation rate of 49%, according to U.S. Department of Education data.

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.

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.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.