Acceptance Rate
45%
“Charlotte's spirited HBCU where Golden Bulls build bonds and launch careers amid a finance boom.”
Charlotte, NC
Location
Johnson C. Smith University traces its roots to 1867, when Presbyterian missionaries established Biddle Memorial Institute to educate freed African Americans through practical skills like bricklaying and farming. Renamed in 1923 after a generous donation from industrialist Johnson C. Smith, it evolved into a liberal arts powerhouse emphasizing empowerment and achievement. You'll find a tight-knit community of about 1,250 undergraduates who embrace the HBCU legacy of resilience and pride.
Students who thrive here seek a family-like atmosphere with professors who know their names and peers who share cultural understanding. Ambitious types drawn to urban energy fit best, tapping Charlotte's opportunities in banking and tech. Those craving vast course catalogs or rural seclusion might find the smaller size and city bustle a mismatch—fewer majors mean focused choices, and living expenses in uptown Charlotte run higher than in smaller towns.
Photo Gallery
+3
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
In classrooms, expect personal attention from faculty invested in your growth, especially in business administration, social work, and computer information systems—fields where JCSU shines with practical training. Upper-level seminars spark lively debates, though introductory courses draw dozens from the compact student body. Research leans toward undergrad projects in labs focused on biotech and data science rather than massive grants.
The intellectual vibe rewards proactive learners who chase internships over endless electives. Tradeoffs include competitive entry to popular programs like nursing and occasional scheduling limits due to enrollment size, but you'll graduate with skills employers notice.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,252 undergrad • 50 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
1%
Black / African American
78%
Hispanic / Latino
<1%
Asian
<1%
Other / Multi-racial
21%
Campus Life
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus hums with HBCU spirit: step shows electrify homecoming, the Sound of the Golden Bulls marching band packs pep rallies, and CIAA rivalries ignite football weekends against foes like Livingstone College. Residential life clusters freshmen in dorms like Sawyer Hall, forging fast friendships over late-night study sessions and block parties. A typical week mixes morning lectures, afternoon club meetings—think debate or gospel choir—and evenings exploring Charlotte's breweries or museums.
The urban setting delivers internships at Bank of America but trades leafy quads for concrete views and traffic hum. Summers bring sticky humidity, winters mild chill, and while the social scene pulses with events, quieter souls might head off-campus for peace amid rising area rents.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$14,835
$30K – $48K
$16,483
$48K – $75K
$18,484
$75K – $110K
$18,740
$110K+
$21,269
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to unlock grants, scholarships, and federal loans.
Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
71%
4 Years Graduation Rate
42%
6 Years Graduation Rate
55%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$42,680
71% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Johnson C Smith University and return in the fall. 42% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 55% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
42%
4-6 years
13%
Non-grad
45%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$17,474
Acceptance
45%
Undergrads
1,252
4-Year Grad Rate
42%
Endowment
$157M
Charlotte, NC 28216-5398