Johnson C. Smith University
Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) is designated as a Historically Black College and University, meaning that it was founded primarily to educate Black Americans before and after the Civil War. It was originally named the Biddle Memorial Institute after the late Major Henry Biddle in appreciation of his wife’s first and generous contribution. It adapted its present name in 1923 to recognize another generous benefactor, Mrs. Jane Berry Smith who continuously gave funds for construction of academic buildings and a handsome endowment in memory of her late husband, Johnson C. Smith. JCSU received other generous endowments such as the Duke Endowment which ensured the continued development of the university.
JCSU’s campus is located at 100 Betties Ford Road, Charlotte, North Carolina. It consists of a 100-acre land housing more than 40 buildings and serving at least 1,500 students. The university employs more than 240 full-time faculty members, administrators and staff members. Student/faculty ratio is 13:1.
Educational programs of JCSU are offered through the College of Arts and Letters, College of Professional Studies and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). All full-time students are provided their own laptop computers connected to the campus-wide network. The university’s so-called “smart classrooms” have varying degrees of technology that is freely utilized by the faculty to engage students.
The campus location offers the best of small-town living and a metropolitan urban center located nearby. Adult learners are given the opportunity to experience studying at JCSU through the Continuing Education Program of the Metropolitan College. Through these programs, students need not relocate to pursue educational goals. The first majors offered for completion through JCSU’s Metropolitan College are the Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Bachelor of Arts in Social Work.
Tuition rate for regular sessions of 12-18 hours is $13,361.00 per year. Room and board costs about $ 6,132.00 annually. Several mandatory fees apply.
For more information about admissions, financial aid or online learning opportunities such as distance education degree programs or online classes, please contact Johnson C. Smith University.
