Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte
Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Worth It?
At a value score of 20/100, Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $43,418 — 19% below average — while paying $27,426/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.5-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 51% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 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 $26,000 representing 60% 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 & Wales University-Charlotte has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NC
Ranked #69 of 102 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 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #2 | University of Evansville | 49 | $18,499 | $53,770 |
| #3 | College of Our Lady of the Elms | 49 | $17,545 | $51,540 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | Oakland City University | 48 | $15,210 | $43,283 |
| #6 | Illinois College | 45 | $18,298 | $52,575 |
| #69 | Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte | 20 | $27,426 | $43,418 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in NC.
Best Programs at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte
The highest-earning program at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte is Accounting and Related Services at $44,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services at $31,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Accounting and Related Services graduate from Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte earns $44,000, while a Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services graduate earns $31,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Accounting and Related Services graduates carry $26,100 in median debt vs. $26,250 for Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $27,426/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services | $44,000 | $44,000 | $26,100 |
| Marketing | $35,500 | $35,500 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $34,800 | $34,800 | $27,000 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $34,600 | $34,600 | $25,330 |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations | $33,900 | $33,900 | $26,100 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management | $31,600 | $31,600 | $27,000 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services | $31,100 | $31,100 | $26,250 |
Similar Colleges in NC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Charlotte, NC
- Student Body
- 1,184 students
- Admission Rate
- 80%
- Graduation Rate
- 51%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $27,426
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,418
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000