Jackson State University
About Jackson State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Jackson State University is a public historically Black university in Jackson, Mississippi. It offers programs in business, engineering, education, and public health and is one of the largest HBCUs in the state.
Founded
1877
Location
Jackson, Mississippi
Students
6,276
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
93.2%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
50.9%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$8,965
Out-of-state: $11,965
Avg Net Price
$23,836
After financial aid
SAT Average
965
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$39,060
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$25
Early
Aug 21
Regular
Rolling
Jackson State University accepts the majority of applicants at 93.2%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
965/ 1600
ACT Scores
18/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
50.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
62.4%
4-Year Grad
24%
6-Year Grad
38%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
59.5%
$/Student
$10.9K
Class Size
Medium
The 24% graduation rate is below average, but 62.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,965
In-State
$11,965
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,341
Books & Supplies
$1,400
Total Cost of Attendance
$32,415
After Financial Aid
$23,836
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$22,869
Receive Grants
72.3%
Take Loans
82.2%
The total cost of attendance runs about $32,415/yr, including $14,341 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $23,836.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Jackson State University fund their education.
While in School
72.3%
Get Grants
Free money
82.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$21,266
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$30,470
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$323/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Graduates leave with $30,470 in median debt, above the national average. Explore all scholarship and aid options, and consider your expected earnings in your chosen field.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Jackson State University.
Gender
63.2%
Female
37%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
4,600
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,676
Graduates
32%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
18.8%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 63% of the student body. 32% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
4,600
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Jackson State University fields 9 varsity teams with 470 student athletes, about 10% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Southwestern
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
470
10% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
61% / 39%
285
Men
185
Women
5
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Jackson State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$39,060
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Biology, General
$25K
99 grads
1yr Earnings
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
—
80 grads
Social Work
$27K
62 grads
1yr Earnings
Education, Other
$28K
55 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$27K
55 grads
1yr Earnings
Health and Medical Administrative Services
$31K
48 grads
1yr Earnings
Median earnings are $39K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Jackson State University
What is the acceptance rate at Jackson State University?▾
How much does Jackson State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Jackson State University?▾
How much do Jackson State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.