Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Charlotte, North Carolina
42.9% Acceptance Rate
Johnson C Smith University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
42.9%Acceptance Rate
2.48Avg GPA
890Avg SAT
$34,228Annual Cost
$42,680Grad Salary
67.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
42.9%
Avg GPA
2.48
Avg SAT
890
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
850–920
Need-Based Aid
67.8% receive Pell
Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), founded in 1867, is a historically Black university in Charlotte, North Carolina, known for its strong STEM programs and commitment to social mobility. JCSU offers undergraduate degrees across three colleges, with particular strengths in computer science, business administration, and social work. The university's Metropolitan College provides flexible programs for working adults. JCSU's 100-acre campus features historic landmarks like the Biddle Memorial Hall and modern facilities like the new Science Center.
JCSU's research initiatives address urban challenges through centers like the Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainability. The university's NCAA Division II athletics and 70+ student organizations create a vibrant campus life. Alumni include educators, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders who carry forward JCSU's mission of empowering underserved communities through education.
Johnson C Smith University Acceptance Rate
Johnson C Smith University is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Johnson C Smith University is 42.9%. This means that 43 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 42.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
2.48 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.28 – 2.47
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.03
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
JCSU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at JCSU is 2.48. Admission is less selective based on GPA.
Most admitted students have a mix of B's and C's. A strong SAT or ACT score will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 2.68-2.88 for this same academic profile.Check Your Admission Chances at JCSU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Johnson C Smith University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Johnson C Smith University (JCSU) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into JCSU Without SAT or ACT?
Johnson C Smith University does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Johnson C Smith University Average SAT Score: 890
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Johnson C Smith University is 890 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 890 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 890 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (920 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Johnson C Smith University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 850, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at JCSU. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 890 | 850 | 920 |
It means that if you have scored less than 850 then you are below most of the admitted students at JCSU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 920 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 900
Can I get into Johnson C Smith University (JCSU) with a 900 SAT?
With a 900 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Johnson C Smith University (JCSU) are good but the admission staff at JCSU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for JCSU
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At JCSU, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Target the 75th Percentile
Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.
Demonstrated Interest
Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.
The 'Breadth' Factor
Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.
Humanize the Transcript
Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.
Scholarship Tip: Applying Early Action (EA) at this level often increases your priority for institutional grants and honors college consideration.
JCSU Profile
Full Name
Johnson C Smith University (JCSU)
City
Charlotte
State
North Carolina
ZIP Code
28216-5398
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a JCSU Degree Worth It?
Getting into JCSU can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. JCSU offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at JCSU is $57,300 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.57%.
How much does a degree from JCSU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Johnson C Smith University is $34,228. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Johnson C Smith University is much less than this.
67.8% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 73.5 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to JCSU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Johnson C Smith University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist JCSU as your choice in the form.
How much does a JCSU Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $42,680. An average JCSU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Johnson C Smith University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gallaudet University | Washington, DC | 857 | 16 |
| Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley, GA | 864 | 18 |
| Virginia Union University | Richmond, VA | 860 | NA |
| Chamberlain University-Illinois | Addison, IL | 868 | 16 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Johnson C Smith University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bennett College | Greensboro, NC | 890 | NA |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Johnson C Smith University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Normal, AL | 947 | 17 |
| Johnson University Florida | Kissimmee, FL | 940 | NA |
| Warner University | Lake Wales, FL | 937 | 17 |
| Gordon State College | Barnesville, GA | 950 | 18 |
| Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College | Saint Mary of the Woods, IN | 966 | 17 |
Degree Programs at JCSU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Johnson C Smith University →
Frequently Asked Questions About JCSU Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $42,680 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $34,228 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
67.8% of students at this university receive a Pell Grant — free money that does not need to be repaid. Your chances of need-based aid are strong. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible and list this institution as your choice to be considered for maximum aid.
The acceptance rate of Johnson C Smith University is 42.9% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 2.48. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.18, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.18, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.08 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 2.48, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Johnson C Smith University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 890 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 850–920.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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