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73.3%Acceptance
$40,408Tuition
1,126Students
52%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$43,418Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte specializes in career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce. The university enrolls 1,126 students in Charlotte's bustling urban environment. Students concentrate on culinary arts, business, and hospitality management through hands-on learning that emphasizes practical skills over theory. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in professional kitchens and business labs. Most programs connect directly to Charlotte's growing food and hospitality industry.

Students pay an average net price of $28,901 after financial aid, less than the published tuition of $40,408. Graduates earn a median of $43,418 ten years after graduation, though this varies widely by program. Students typically graduate with $26,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $276. The investment pays off differently depending on career path, with culinary and hospitality management graduates entering fields known for varying salary ranges.

The student body is diverse, with 43% Black students and 33% White students creating a multicultural learning environment. Women make up 64% of enrollment, reflecting the demographics of hospitality and culinary programs. The 52% graduation rate reflects the career-focused nature where some students leave early for job opportunities. Athletic programs include 12 varsity sports with 159 total athletes competing without athletic scholarships.

Academics & Faculty

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte builds careers through hands-on programs in culinary arts, hospitality management, and business. The school's career-focused approach means students spend time in labs, kitchens, and real-world internships rather than traditional lecture halls. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors can provide individual attention during practical training sessions. However, the 52% graduation rate suggests students need strong motivation to complete these demanding programs. The university's industry connections help explain the 96% employment rate for graduates. Students here aren't studying theory, they're mastering skills that employers want, from restaurant management to event planning to entrepreneurship.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
52.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
52.1%
Retention Rate
63.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,418
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $46,254
Marketing. Bachelor $39,009
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $37,054
Hospitality Administration/Management. Bachelor $36,275
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. Bachelor $35,849
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. Bachelor $34,704
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management. Bachelor $34,153
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services. Bachelor $32,707
Culinary Arts and Related Services. Associate $28,091

View all 22 programs →

Campus Life

The Charlotte campus sits in North Carolina's largest city, where students need both winter coats and plenty of sunscreen throughout the year. With housing capacity for 698 students and total enrollment of 1,126, about 62% of students can live on campus if they choose. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know your name, especially important in hands-on culinary and hospitality programs.

Charlotte offers internships and job opportunities that align perfectly with Johnson & Wales' career focus. Students spend weekends exploring the city's booming restaurant scene, attending Panthers or Hornets games, or working part-time jobs that build their resumes. The campus draws students from across the country, with only 35% coming from North Carolina. Women make up 64% of enrollment, reflecting the strong business and hospitality programs that attract female students. With 159 students competing in 12 varsity sports, athletics provide community but aren't the main campus focus. Students here are serious about launching careers quickly.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
698 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

20 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 4 2 0 0
Rape 3 3 0 0
Fondling 2 2 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 1 0 0
Burglary 1 0 0 0
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
31°–52°F
July Avg
69°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
43.6"
Annual Snowfall
3.5"

Student Demographics

Students come from across the Southeast and beyond, with 65% traveling from out-of-state to study career-focused programs. The student body is 64% female, reflecting strong enrollment in hospitality and culinary programs that traditionally attract more women. About 52% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many first-generation college students seeking practical career training. The campus is diverse, with 44% Black students and 13% Hispanic students. Most students are drawn by Johnson & Wales' reputation for hands-on learning and direct pathways to employment in growing service industries.
Men
36.3%
Women
63.7%
White
33.5%
Black
43.4%
Hispanic
12.5%
Asian
2.0%
In-State Students
35.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
51.9%

Location

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte sits in North Carolina's largest city, home to over 870,000 residents. The campus operates in Charlotte's urban core, surrounded by banking headquarters and corporate offices that create internship opportunities for the school's 1,126 students. Charlotte serves as a major transportation center in the Southeast, connecting students to cities like Atlanta (245 miles) and Washington DC (400 miles). The city's rapid growth has made it the second-largest banking center in the United States after New York. Students benefit from Charlotte's diverse economy beyond finance, including healthcare, technology, and the hospitality industry that aligns with the university's career programs. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte with similar schools in the region.
Address
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,418
Median Earnings (5 years)
$44,296
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$33,400
Loan Repayment Rate
68.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte accepts 73% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1006. The school focuses on career preparation rather than selective admissions, welcoming students who are serious about hands-on learning in culinary arts, business, and hospitality.

How much does Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $28,901 after financial aid, down from the sticker price of $57,252. About 52% of students receive Pell Grants, and the school provides institutional grants averaging $24,372 to help make career-focused education more accessible.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?

The university maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio across its 1,126 students. This small class environment supports the school's emphasis on practical, industry-focused training where students need direct mentorship from experienced professionals.

How much do Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median salary of $43,418 ten years after graduation with typical student loan payments of $276 per month. The 96% employment rate reflects the university's strong industry connections and career-oriented curriculum in high-demand fields.

Where do students live at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?

The campus houses 698 students in residence halls, serving about 62% of the student body. Located in Charlotte's urban environment, students gain access to internships and job opportunities in one of the Southeast's major business centers.

Does Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte have good graduation rates?

About 52% of students graduate within six years, with a 64% retention rate from freshman to sophomore year. The school's career-focused approach attracts students eager to enter the workforce quickly, though some transfer to complete degrees elsewhere or leave for immediate job opportunities.