About Johnson C Smith University
Johnson C Smith University has built a reputation for producing successful business leaders and professional athletes from its Charlotte campus. This historically black university counts NBA superstar Stephen Curry and BET founder Robert Johnson among its notable graduates. With 1,047 students, it offers the intimate feel of a small college within North Carolina's largest city.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $20,011 after aid, but graduates earn a median of just $42,680 ten years after graduation. That creates challenging math for many families. The typical graduate carries $30,000 in debt with monthly loan payments of $318. Only 26.48% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.
The Golden Bulls compete in 15 NCAA Division II sports with 239 student athletes sharing $1.9 million in athletic scholarships. Students benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentorship. The campus serves primarily Black students, who make up 77.65% of enrollment. Nearly 68% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's mission to serve first-generation college students. However, the 62.55% retention rate and 34.10% six-year graduation rate suggest many students struggle to complete their degrees.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $20,011 after aid, but graduates earn a median of just $42,680 ten years after graduation. That creates challenging math for many families. The typical graduate carries $30,000 in debt with monthly loan payments of $318. Only 26.48% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.
The Golden Bulls compete in 15 NCAA Division II sports with 239 student athletes sharing $1.9 million in athletic scholarships. Students benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentorship. The campus serves primarily Black students, who make up 77.65% of enrollment. Nearly 68% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's mission to serve first-generation college students. However, the 62.55% retention rate and 34.10% six-year graduation rate suggest many students struggle to complete their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Johnson C Smith University operates as a historically black university that has built its reputation around business leadership development and professional preparation. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides intimate classroom settings where professors can offer personalized attention. However, the 38.29% four-year graduation rate suggests students often need extra time to complete their degrees. The university is particularly known for its business programs, which have produced notable entrepreneurs like BET founder Robert Johnson. Many students pursue professional and pre-professional tracks that prepare them for careers in business, healthcare, and education. The small class sizes allow for mentorship relationships that are crucial for first-generation college students who make up much of the student body.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 55.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 38.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 34.1%
- Retention Rate
- 62.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,680
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | Master | $46,087 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $39,741 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $30,277 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $26,933 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $24,421 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $24,421 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $24,035 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $22,192 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $21,964 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $18,315 |
Campus Life
Johnson C Smith sits in the heart of Charlotte, giving students immediate access to banking internships and job opportunities in America's second-largest financial center. With housing capacity for 1,039 students and total enrollment of 1,047, nearly everyone lives on campus their first year. The small student body of just over 1,000 creates a tight-knit community where the 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name.
Charlotte's mild climate requires light jackets in winter but plenty of sunscreen for outdoor activities on the 105-acre campus. Students spend weekends exploring Charlotte's food scene, catching NBA Hornets games, or supporting the Golden Bulls at NCAA Division II athletics events. The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association brings exciting rivalries, especially against Winston-Salem State. Greek life and campus organizations dominate the social scene at this HBCU where 77.65% of students are Black. The Curry family legacy runs deep here - Stephen Curry's father Dell played basketball for the Golden Bulls, creating a culture that celebrates both academic and athletic excellence in a historically significant setting.
Charlotte's mild climate requires light jackets in winter but plenty of sunscreen for outdoor activities on the 105-acre campus. Students spend weekends exploring Charlotte's food scene, catching NBA Hornets games, or supporting the Golden Bulls at NCAA Division II athletics events. The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association brings exciting rivalries, especially against Winston-Salem State. Greek life and campus organizations dominate the social scene at this HBCU where 77.65% of students are Black. The Curry family legacy runs deep here - Stephen Curry's father Dell played basketball for the Golden Bulls, creating a culture that celebrates both academic and athletic excellence in a historically significant setting.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,039 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
20 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–52°F
- July Avg
- 69°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.5"
Student Demographics
Johnson C Smith draws students who value its legacy as a launching pad for business and athletic careers. Nearly half the students come from outside North Carolina, reflecting the university's national reputation among families seeking an HBCU education. The student body is predominantly Black, connecting to the school's mission of helping African American students. Two-thirds receive Pell Grants, showing JCSU serves students from working-class backgrounds who see education as their path to professional success. The nearly even gender split reflects strong programs that appeal equally to men and women pursuing business and other professional fields.
- Men
- 49.1%
- Women
- 50.9%
- White
- 0.6%
- Black
- 77.7%
- Hispanic
- 0.4%
- Asian
- 0.2%
- In-State Students
- 43.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 67.8%
Location
Johnson C. Smith University sits in Charlotte, North Carolina's largest city with over 870,000 residents. The campus occupies a historic neighborhood just minutes from Charlotte's bustling downtown business district. Students have access to major corporations, internship opportunities, and cultural attractions in this rapidly growing metropolitan area. Charlotte serves as a major banking center and transportation center for the Southeast. The city's mild climate and proximity to both the Blue Ridge Mountains and Atlantic coast beaches provides diverse recreational options. With 43.46% of students coming from in-state, many are drawn to the urban setting and career connections. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Johnson C. Smith University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Charlotte, North Carolina 28216-5398
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,680
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,653
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $26,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 26.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $318/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $30,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Johnson C Smith University?
Johnson C Smith University accepts 25.28% of applicants, making it moderately selective for an HBCU. The small student body of 1,047 creates an intimate learning environment where students receive personalized attention.
How much does Johnson C Smith University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $20,011, with 67.78% of students receiving financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $19,693, while the university keeps tuition the same for in-state and out-of-state students at $20,480.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Johnson C Smith University?
The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, allowing for small classes and close mentorship opportunities. This historically black university has built a reputation for developing business leaders and professional athletes through personalized academic support.
How much do Johnson C Smith University graduates earn?
Alumni earn a median of $42,680 ten years after graduation, with a 94.5% employment rate. Notable graduates include NBA superstar Stephen Curry and BET founder Robert Johnson, reflecting the university's success in producing leaders across different fields.
Where do students live at Johnson C Smith University?
The campus houses 1,039 students in residence halls, with room and board costing $9,014 annually. Located in Charlotte, students have access to internships and job opportunities in one of the Southeast's major business centers.
Does Johnson C Smith University compete in Division I athletics?
The Golden Bulls compete in NCAA Division II with 15 varsity sports and 239 total athletes. The university awards $1,885,827 in athletic scholarships and competes in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association alongside other HBCUs.
