At $20,011/yr net price, Johnson C Smith University graduates earn $42,680/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,680/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,011 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,044 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,680/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,680/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $30,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,693/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,425/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,959/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,673/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,063/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | Master | $46,087 | $41,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $39,741 | $29,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $30,277 | $31,742 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $26,933 | $32,889 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $24,421 | $30,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $24,421 | $31,000 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $24,035 | $30,500 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $22,192 | $28,750 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $21,964 | $26,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $18,315 | $31,000 |
The Risk Factor
34.1% of students at Johnson C Smith University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Johnson C Smith University delivers weak financial returns that should give most families pause. With median post-graduation earnings of just $42,680 and a troubling 34% graduation rate, your investment faces significant downside risk.
Social work emerges as the school's strongest financial program, generating $46,087 in median earnings despite carrying $41,000 in debt. Computer science offers moderate potential at $39,741 annually with lower debt loads of $29,500. Business management produces disappointing returns at $30,277 yearly while saddling graduates with $31,742 in debt. Liberal arts graduates face the weakest prospects, earning just $24,421 annually.
The school's 62% retention rate signals that many students struggle to stay enrolled, creating additional financial risk through lost time and accumulating debt without degree completion. Charlotte's growing tech and financial services sectors could benefit computer science graduates, but the school's overall placement record remains concerning.
You should consider JCSU only if you qualify for substantial need-based aid that brings your actual costs well below the $20,011 net price, or if you're pursuing social work with clear career goals. Students interested in business or liberal arts will find better value elsewhere. The combination of high dropout rates, modest earnings, and significant debt loads makes this investment particularly risky for middle-income families who won't qualify for maximum financial aid.
If you're set on attending, focus on social work or computer science programs and develop a clear four-year completion plan to avoid the debt-without-degree trap that affects two-thirds of students here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Johnson C Smith University worth the cost?
Johnson C Smith University's ROI is below average, with graduates earning $42,680 ten years after enrollment while carrying typical debt of $30,000. The low 34% graduation rate means many students leave without a degree but still owe money.
What are the best paying majors at Johnson C Smith University?
Social Work graduates from Johnson C Smith University earn the highest median salary at $46,087, followed by Computer and Information Sciences at $39,741. Business and Liberal Arts majors earn significantly less, with Liberal Arts graduates making only $24,421.
How much debt do Johnson C Smith University students graduate with?
Johnson C Smith University graduates typically carry $30,000 in student loan debt. With median earnings of $42,680, this debt-to-income ratio is manageable but not ideal compared to higher-earning schools.
What is the graduation rate at Johnson C Smith University?
Only 34% of students graduate from Johnson C Smith University within six years. This low completion rate means most students leave without a degree, often still owing money for their incomplete education.