Johnson C Smith University
Charlotte, North Carolina · Private Nonprofit · 45.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 13/100 · Poor Value
Johnson C. Smith University scores 13 (Poor Value) on the CampusROI scale. The data presents a difficult picture: a 29.1-year payback period, 34.3% completion rate, a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.145, and a 31.9% loan repayment rate at year three -- the lowest repayment rate in this batch of 20 schools. Median 6-year earnings are $26,200 against a net price of $20,894. Fewer than one in three students completes a degree, and fewer than one in three who borrow on repayment tracks is making progress on their debt three years after enrollment. JCSU is a historically Black university (HBCU) in Charlotte, North Carolina, founded in 1867. The institution serves a predominantly lower-income student body -- 69.5% Pell grant rate, the highest in this batch. Business Administration is the strongest tracked program (37 graduates, D grade, $51,371 four-year). Political Science (17 graduates, D grade), Biology (24 graduates, D grade), and Communication (12 graduates, F grade) round out the program data. No program earns better than a D grade. The Charlotte location provides proximity to a major financial services and healthcare hub, which should theoretically benefit graduates -- but the completion and earnings data suggest structural challenges that location alone cannot resolve.
The data raises concerns about Johnson C Smith University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score13/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- Debt-to-earnings1.15 - Advisors recommend total student debt stay below one year of salary (ratio under 1.0).
- 6-year graduation rate34.3% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
- Payback period29.1 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
Johnson C Smith University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $21,300/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $21,300/yr |
| Average net price | $20,894/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $83,576 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,680 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $26,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $30,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $318 |
| Estimated payback period | 29.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 34.3% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,244 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Johnson C Smith University is $21,300/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $20,894/year, or roughly $83,576 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $19,940/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $29,050/year.
The median graduate leaves with $30,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $318 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $42,680 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 1.15 - above the recommended threshold where total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,940 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,165 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,005 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,722 |
| $110,001+ | $29,050 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning $0-30,000 pay $19,940 per year at JCSU. For an institution with a 69.5% Pell rate, this is a high net price relative to what need-based aid should produce. Total 4-year cost near $80,000 for the lowest-income bracket -- largely financed through federal loans given the limited family resources -- against $26,200 median 6-year earnings creates a debt situation that is difficult to recover from, especially given the 34.3% completion rate. Low-income students who do not complete are at the greatest financial risk.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income families pay approximately $21,005 (48001-75000) and $19,722 (75001-110000) per year. The slight decrease from the lower bracket to the upper-middle bracket is unusual. Total 4-year costs around $79,000-$84,000 are high relative to outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.145 at the institutional level means the median graduate owes more than a year's earnings in student debt. Middle-income families should compare net price and outcomes at North Carolina A&T, Fayetteville State, or public alternatives in the Charlotte area.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000+ pay $29,050 per year -- the highest net price, with relatively limited merit or need-based offset. Total 4-year cost near $116,000 for higher-income families produces a very difficult ROI case against $26,200 median earnings and a 29.1-year payback period. Full-pay families considering JCSU should do so for reasons beyond financial return -- HBCU community, specific program access, or personal mission -- rather than expecting competitive financial outcomes relative to peer institutions.
Earnings by Major
Top 7 most popular majors at Johnson C Smith University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $51,371 | D |
| Biology | $42,595 | D |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $44,678 | F |
| Political Science and Government | $46,215 | D |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $38,941 | F |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $29,621 | F |
| Communication and Media Studies | $40,600 | F |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
37 graduates, $37,906 year-one, $51,371 year-four, ROI grade D with debt-to-earnings 0.977 and median debt $37,038. Business is the strongest-volume program at JCSU but still earns only a D grade. Median debt of $37,038 against year-one earnings of $37,906 means graduates owe nearly a full year's pre-tax income on day one. The four-year trajectory to $51k shows modest growth. Charlotte's financial services sector provides employment context, but the debt burden limits financial optionality for completers.
Political Science and Government
17 graduates, $32,751 year-one, $46,215 year-four, ROI grade D with debt-to-earnings 0.979 and median debt $32,047. Political science at JCSU earns a D grade driven by near-100% debt-to-income at graduation. Year-four earnings of $46k show modest progression. Charlotte provides access to government, advocacy, and policy employment that benefits political science graduates, but debt levels constrain financial flexibility in early careers. Students considering this program should evaluate public service loan forgiveness eligibility.
Biology
24 graduates, $28,675 year-one, $42,595 year-four, ROI grade D with debt-to-earnings 0.981 and median debt $28,123. Biology at JCSU earns a D grade with year-one earnings of $28,675 -- well below the national median for biology graduates. The low year-one figure likely reflects a high proportion of students entering graduate or professional school rather than direct employment, which suppresses Scorecard near-term earnings. Four-year earnings of $42k suggest modest career entry for those who do not pursue advanced degrees.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 23.1% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 31.9% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 28.4% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 31.1% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 45.2% |
| Enrollment | 1,244 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 69.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,806 |
JCSU's 45.2% admission rate is more selective than its outcome metrics might suggest -- the institution is not open enrollment. Despite relative selectivity, the 34.3% completion rate indicates that admitted students face significant barriers to graduation. Financial pressure on the high-Pell population, academic preparation challenges, and retention programming quality are the likely drivers. Prospective students should ask directly about financial sustainability through a 4-year degree and what completion-support resources the institution provides.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
JCSU's Scorecard peers include Barton, Belmont Abbey, Oakwood University, Dillard, and Miles College. Among HBCUs nationally, JCSU (ROI 13) scores at the lower end. Dillard (New Orleans) and Miles (Alabama) have similar structural challenges. Oakwood (Alabama) has slightly stronger completion data. Within the Charlotte metro, JCSU competes for enrollment with Johnson & Wales and UNC Charlotte -- both offer stronger aggregate ROI outcomes. JCSU's differentiating value is its HBCU identity and the professional network and cultural community it provides to Black students, which are not captured in Scorecard financial metrics.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson C Smith University (this school) | 13 | $20,894 | $42,680 |
| Albany State University | 14 | $11,898 | $40,674 |
| Clark Atlanta University | 14 | $37,702 | $42,712 |
| Jackson State University | 14 | $23,836 | $39,060 |
| Fisk University | 14 | $32,020 | $45,454 |
| Grambling State University | 12 | $19,809 | $41,109 |
Who Thrives Here
JCSU admits 45.2% of applicants, which is more selective than many institutions in this ROI tier. No test score data is reported. Enrollment is 1,244. The 69.5% Pell grant rate indicates the large majority of students are lower-income -- a population that faces disproportionate completion risk when earnings outcomes are weak. JCSU's HBCU identity provides cultural community, mentorship, and professional network benefits for Black students that Scorecard financial metrics do not capture. Students who value HBCU experience and have access to employer-specific HBCU pipelines in financial services may achieve outcomes above the aggregate. But the financial risk profile here requires honest assessment.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Johnson C Smith University. With a net cost of $20,894 per year and median graduate earnings of only $42,680 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 29.1 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 34.3% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $30,000 against $42,680 in earnings is concerning. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 exceeds the commonly recommended threshold. Major choice is critical here.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.