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Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

#1729 in US ranking Charlotte, NC
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$59,382
Tuition & fees
$41,982
Avg. aid
$27,228
Receiving aid
100%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
80%
SAT range
880–1130
ACT range
16–23

Outcomes

Graduation rate
49%
Median salary
$42,538
1 yr after graduation

What is the accreditation of Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?

Johnson & Wales University is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The accreditation applies to the university, including its Charlotte campus; it is not a separate accreditation awarded to Charlotte.

Institutional accreditation means NECHE has evaluated the university against its standards. It is also relevant to eligibility for federal student aid. It does not mean another college must accept Johnson & Wales credits, or that every program satisfies professional licensing rules. Applicants considering a licensed profession should verify the accreditation, approval, and state-specific eligibility requirements of their particular program before enrolling.

What are the admission requirements at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?

First-year applicants to Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte generally need an application, a high school record, and evidence of high school completion or an accepted equivalent such as a GED. The university is not an open-admission institution: reported first-year admissions figures show 3,279 offers of admission from 4,105 applications, an acceptance rate of about 80%.

Secondary-school GPA and academic records are required in the reported admissions criteria. Class rank, recommendations, college-preparatory coursework, and test scores are considered but not required under those criteria. Relatively few enrolled first-year students submitted SAT or ACT scores, so applicants should not treat a test score as a universal prerequisite.

English-language proficiency requirements can apply to applicants whose circumstances call for them; the reported criteria identify TOEFL as required. Applicants should check the university's current instructions for acceptable tests, exemptions, and program-specific materials. Requirements for transfer and other applicant categories may differ from those for first-year students.

What are the application fees and waivers at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?

Applicants should distinguish an application fee from an enrollment or housing deposit. The amount due, if any, depends on the current Johnson & Wales application process and should be checked on the payment screen before submission.

Students who need a fee waiver should ask admissions about eligibility and the request procedure before submitting an application. A waiver granted through one application route should not be assumed to apply automatically to another, and an enrollment deposit is a separate charge even when an application fee is waived.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?

Prospective Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte students should not assume the campus operates its own Army, Air Force, or Navy ROTC unit. Anyone hoping to participate through a host university needs to verify that cross-enrollment is currently permitted for Johnson & Wales students and that the required classes and training fit their schedule.

ROTC participation, an ROTC scholarship, and a military service commitment are distinct matters. Interested applicants should obtain current eligibility, scholarship, and commissioning terms from the relevant ROTC detachment before making enrollment plans around the program.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte accepts transfer applicants and generally considers credit from other accredited institutions. Reported entry options include fall, spring, and summer terms, but admission to the university and acceptance of individual courses toward a degree are separate decisions.

Transfer applicants should be prepared to provide official transcripts from every college attended. A high school record may also be needed depending on the applicant's prior coursework and the current admissions rules. The university reports accepting some additional forms of evaluated learning, including CLEP subject exams, DSST exams, and credit aligned with American Council on Education recommendations; applicable scores, limits, and degree requirements still matter.

Before committing, applicants should request an official, program-specific credit evaluation. That review can show whether courses satisfy major or general education requirements, rather than merely transferring as electives, and how many credits must be completed through Johnson & Wales.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?

Johnson & Wales University offers international education opportunities, but Charlotte students need to confirm which programs are available to their major and in their intended term. Options may vary in length, destination, and whether they are university-led or arranged through another provider.

The practical questions are academic approval and cost. Before applying, students should establish how courses would count toward their degree, whether a program could delay required Charlotte coursework, what additional travel expenses they would face, and whether their particular financial aid package could be used. Study-abroad advising and the academic department can address different parts of that decision.

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Admissions Factors

SAT range
880–1130
4001600
ACT range
16–23
136
Acceptance rate
80%

Acceptance rate vs. median

This school
80%
North Carolina
75%
US
78%

14% of admitted students enrolled (450 of 3,279)

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Admissions

Applicants
Total: 4,105
Admission
Total: 3,279
Enrolled
Total: 450
Women
Men

How to Apply to Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Early Decision

No

Early Action

Yes, deadline November 17

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte First-Year Students

Where first-year students come from

In-state: 152
Out-of-state: 297
International: 1

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshmen: 450
Transfer: 37

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Admission Requirements

Percent of students submitting ACT scores

6%

Percent of students submitting SAT scores

10%

High school completions

General Educational Development (GED) required

Computer required

No

Computer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution

No

Secondary school GPA

Required

Secondary school rank

Considered but not required

Secondary school record

Required

Completion of college-preparatory program

Considered but not required

Recommendations

Considered but not required

Formal demonstration of competencies

Considered but not required

Admission test scores

Considered but not required

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language

Required

Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Neither required nor recommended

Open admission policy

No

Dual credit

No

Credit for life experiences

Yes

Advanced placement (AP) credits

Yes

Special learning opportunities

Orientation program

Yes

Disabilities services

Yes

Study abroad

Yes

Student can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

No

Preparation at another institution required

No

Approved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher

No

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Transfer Acceptance Rate

Generally accepts credits

Yes

Accept ACE recommendation for credit

Yes

Possible transfer

Fall, Spring, Summer

Data last updated on November 2, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.