Jackson State University
Jackson State University is a public university in Jackson, MS ranked #1079 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 4,769 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 91.0%. Students most often pursue Civil Engineering and Computer Science.
Academically, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, 68.5% first-year retention, and 32.2% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $20,191, about $3,193 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -6219.9%, roughly 6305.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $30,530. That's about $13,158 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Jackson State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Jackson State University graduates 32.2% of students within six years and keeps 68.5% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Jackson State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $9,090 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,782 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $10,716 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $28,611 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 68.4% of Jackson State University students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $19,018 to $23,333 depending on family income. Use Jackson State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $26,845/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $23,333/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $30,530
- 10-Year Median Earnings $30,530
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $24,751
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 38.7%
- Employment Rate 90.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Jackson State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Jackson State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Jackson State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Jackson State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Jackson State University graduates earn $30,530 median, the -62.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 440-550
- SAT Math 410-530
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 15-20
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 4,769
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 68.5%
- Graduation Rate 32.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into Jackson State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Jackson State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 91.0%, Jackson State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 91.0% acceptance rate, Jackson State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 850 and 1080 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Jackson State University undergraduates. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, Biology, General, and Social Work draw the most students.
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 12.2%
- Biology, General 11.5%
- Social Work 7.8%
- Education, Other 7.0%
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 6.3%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.6%
See more majors
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.1%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Civil Engineering $85,146
- 2. Computer Science $75,274
- 3. Finance and Financial Management Services $63,386
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services $53,319
- 5. Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians $52,968
- 6. Computer Engineering $51,570
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations $45,456
- 8. Biology, General $45,403
- 9. Criminal Justice and Corrections $44,313
- 10. Health and Medical Administrative Services $42,332
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $72,167
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $70,111
- 3. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $61,101
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians (Master's Degree) $53,878
- 5. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $50,723
- 6. Education, General (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $50,373
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $45,296
- 8. Social Work (Master's Degree) $45,113
- 9. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $44,867
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $44,066
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Civil Engineering grads earn $85,146—101% more than Health and Medical Administrative Services ($42,332). Graduate: Educational Administration and Supervision programs lead with $72,167 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Jackson State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 37 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 32 graduates)
- Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 31 graduates)
- Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 28 graduates)
- Public Health (Master's Degree, 25 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (24 programs)▼
- Psychology, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Chemistry
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Political Science and Government
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Sociology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Physics
- Special Education and Teaching
- Mathematics
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Music
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Statistics
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Online Master's Degrees (15 programs)▼
- Public Health
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Engineering, General
- Public Administration
- English Language and Literature, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Mathematics
- Special Education and Teaching
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Political Science and Government
Online Doctoral Degrees (8 programs)▼
- Public Health
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Public Administration
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Engineering, General
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 4,769
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 36.4%
- Female Students 63.6%
- Caucasian 1.9%
- Asian 0.1%
- Hispanic 0.3%
- Black 94.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 68.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Jackson State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Jackson State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Jackson State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Jackson State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Jackson State University has a diverse student body, with 1.9% identifying as White. Women make up 63.6% of undergraduates. 68.4% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Jackson State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Jackson State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Jackson State University serves as an affordable institution for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1079 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $20,191 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $30,530 median earnings. The 32.2% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a institution. While 68.5% retention suggests adequate student support.
Institution Value: Jackson State University's Strengths
Ranked #1079 with a B grade, Jackson State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Institutions like Jackson State University excel at providing affordable education ($20,191 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Jackson State University's 68.5% retention and 32.2% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical institution performance. Career outcomes ($30,530 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Jackson State University and $20,191 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 32.2% six-year graduation rate sits 30.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 68.5% first-year retention is 8.3 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -62.2% return on investment is 147.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $30,530 run about 30% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $20,191 is roughly $58 higher than the national median of $20,133.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 68.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.7% employment rate within three years sits 22.5 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $20,191 is about $58 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Jackson State University—a public university in Jackson, MS—at B overall. It appears at #1079 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion D, Support B, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability C+.
About 68.5% of first-year students return, and roughly 32.2% finish within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -62.2%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $20,191 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $28,611.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,420 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $24,751 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 68.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $30,530 six years after enrollment. That sits about 30% below the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 90.7%.
Plan around an ROI of about -62.2% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
91.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Jackson State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Jackson, MS 39217
- Website www.jsums.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$48.9M