Johnson C Smith University
Johnson C Smith University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Johnson C Smith University Worth It?
At a value score of 17/100, Johnson C Smith University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $42,680 — 21% below average — while paying $20,894/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 34% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $30,000 representing 70% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Johnson C Smith University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Johnson C Smith University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #39 of 55 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Turtle Mountain College | 100 | $3,428 | $32,079 |
| #2 | Brescia University | 67 | $8,709 | $45,500 |
| #3 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | Spring Arbor University | 41 | $19,353 | $51,732 |
| #6 | The College of Idaho | 39 | $19,481 | $48,473 |
| #39 | Johnson C Smith University | 17 | $20,894 | $42,680 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Johnson C Smith University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in NC.
Best Programs at Johnson C Smith University
The highest-earning program at Johnson C Smith University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $31,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Communication and Media Studies at $16,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Johnson C Smith University earns $31,400, while a Communication and Media Studies graduate earns $16,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $39,437 in median debt vs. $31,000 for Communication and Media Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,894/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $31,400 | $31,400 | $39,437 |
| Criminology | $25,200 | $25,200 | $31,124 |
| Social Work | $22,800 | $22,800 | $40,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $21,000 | $21,000 | $29,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $16,900 | $16,900 | $31,000 |
Similar Colleges in NC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Charlotte, NC
- Student Body
- 1,244 students
- Admission Rate
- 45%
- Graduation Rate
- 34%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,894
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,680
- Median Student Debt
- $30,000