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Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Charlotte, NC · Private Nonprofit

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75.3%
Acceptance (Fall 2023)
1010
SAT
$48,644
Sticker Price
$26,572
Net Price*
$41,977
Earnings 10 yrs after enrolling
15.2 yrs
Payback
4,677
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

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Should I apply to Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?

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What is Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte's acceptance rate?

Down 10.4 percentage points since 2018

With a 75.3% acceptance rate, Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte is considered accessible. The school has become increasingly competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte received 4,677 applications in 2023, up 30% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 12% is typical for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?

Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services leads as the most popular major at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015–2024

How has tuition changed at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?

Tuition has increased by 32% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 31% from $37,140 to $48,644.

Tuition Total Cost

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

Graduates in Accounting and Related Services earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $46,254 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Median two years after graduating, for graduates of each program — not the same measure as the headline earnings figure above, which covers everyone who enrolled, ten years after starting. Source: College Scorecard field-of-study file, June 2026.

Accounting and Related Service... $46,254 65 grads
$9,706 $106,421
Marketing $39,009 87 grads
$9,706 $106,421
Business Administration, Manag... $37,054 303 grads
$9,706 $106,421
Parks, Recreation and Leisure ... $34,153 416 grads
$9,706 $106,421
Hospitality Administration/Man... $36,275 454 grads
$9,706 $106,421
Culinary Arts and Related Serv... $29,511 398 grads
$9,706 $106,421
Specialized Sales, Merchandisi... $35,849 243 grads
$9,706 $106,421
Foods, Nutrition, and Related ... $32,707 1168 grads
$9,706 $106,421
This school National avg

What do Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates actually earn?

The median tells one story, but outcomes vary widely. Here's the full range of earnings 10 years after enrollment for graduates of Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte.

25th: $26,494 Median: $41,977 75th: $60,672
10th: $9,100 90th: $68,100

Earnings range for graduates 10 years after enrollment. The green bar shows the middle 50% (25th–75th percentile). Source: College Scorecard, June 2026 release.

How do Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte earnings grow over time?

Median earnings from 1 year after completion through 11 years after enrollment. Early-career earnings show what graduates earn soon after graduating, while later years reflect career growth and advancement.

Do Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte earnings vary by family income?

Median earnings of graduates grouped by their family income when they enrolled. Research shows family income can influence post-graduation outcomes through networking, unpaid internship access, and career choice flexibility.

Gender earnings gap at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Median earnings comparison between male and female graduates. The gap reflects differences in major choice, industry, and broader labor market patterns — not necessarily pay discrimination for the same role.

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Admissions Statistics (2015–2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 4,677 3,521 75.3% 12.3%
2022 4,730 3,469 73.3% 11.3%
2021 4,480 3,689 82.3% 11.4%
2020 3,920 3,225 82.3% 15.0%
2019 3,534 2,988 84.5% 14.3%
2018 3,606 3,090 85.7% 15.8%
2017 4,167 3,506 84.1% 16.3%
2016 5,658 4,625 81.7% 14.2%
2015 4,537 3,287 72.5% 19.5%

Is Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte worth it?

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Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
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Expected (median) -- --
Optimistic (75th pct) -- --
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Estimates based on College Scorecard averages. Use official calculator →

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What do Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,977
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$9,100 $41,977 median $68,100

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $9,100 while the top 10% earn $68,100. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$36,268
Median Debt
$25,750
6-Year Graduation Rate
56.6%

How much does Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte cost?

The total cost of attendance at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte is approximately $48,644 per year. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

Tuition
$34,376
Fees
$360
Room & Board
$13,908
Total Cost of Attendance
$48,644

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price is what aided families paid after grants and scholarships, averaged within each income band. Your own cost depends on income, assets and the school's aid policies, so treat these as a floor rather than a quote. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families because of generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $24,288
$30-48k income $24,304
$48-75k income $26,572
$75-110k income $27,834
$110k+ income $30,296
No aid $48,644

These averages cover only students who received federal financial aid — a Pell Grant, a federal loan or work-study. Families who pay their own way are not included, so the higher brackets understate what a full-paying family is billed. The "no aid" row is the published cost of attendance.

Which majors pay the most?

  • Accounting and Related Services $46,254
  • Marketing $39,009
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations $37,054
  • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management $34,153
  • Hospitality Administration/Management $36,275

Who attends Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte enrolls 1,128 students, with 2% from outside the United States. Women make up 64% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 1,128
Retention Rate 64%
International 2%
Women 64%
Race/Ethnicity
Black 43%
White 34%
Hispanic 13%
Asian 2%

How much financial aid is available?

99% of students receive some form of financial aid at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte. About 52% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 99%
Avg: $24,614 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 52%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 81%
Avg: $6,966
School's Own Grants 100%
Avg: $21,331 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte are above the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

This school National avg

Page updated 2026. Admissions and cost figures are the latest IPEDS release (2023); earnings are College Scorecard median 10-year post-enrollment, June 2026 release. Sources: IPEDS, College Scorecard.