College Search
Jackson State University

Jackson State University

Jackson, MS · City · 4,600 students
WebsiteCommon AppForbes rankingScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$23,836
Average net priceYour net price
In-state · 2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
41%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
70% typical
$39,060
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$63,395 typical
93%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
73% typical · not scored
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
About

As a premier, high-activity research (R2) HBCU located in Mississippi's capital, Jackson State University is celebrated for fostering a supportive, family-like community while preparing students for global leadership. The university's strongest academic offerings span the prestigious College of Science, Engineering, and Technology—which uniquely features the only meteorology degree program at an HBCU—alongside nationally accredited programs in business, public health, and education. On campus, students immerse themselves in a rich, high-energy culture anchored by the world-renowned "Sonic Boom of the South" marching band, championship Division I athletics, and robust internship opportunities made possible by its location in the state's political and economic hub.

Wikipedia:Jackson State University is a public historically black research university in Jackson, Mississippi. It is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".

Location
Jackson, MS, 39217 · City campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
MSY · New Orleans
159 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
These figures are federal data and may be out of date.
In-stateOut-of-state
Tuition & fees$8,965$11,965
Housing & food (on campus)$14,341$14,341
Books & supplies$1,400$1,400
Cost of attendance$32,415$35,415 est.
Average net price$23,836Not published
Out-of-state prices
Tuition & fees$11,965
In-state: $8,965
Housing & food (on campus)$14,341
Books & supplies$1,400
Cost of attendance$35,415 est.
In-state: $32,415
Average net priceNot published
In-state: $23,836
est. = the in-state cost of attendance with out-of-state tuition swapped in; no out-of-state figure is published.
Net price by family income · in-state students, 2023-24
$0–30k
$22,869
$30–48k
$22,516
$48–75k
$26,236
$75–110k
$26,388
$110k+
$27,576
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
41%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
33%
Back for yr 2
62%
Transferred
0%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
38% graduated · 17% transferred · 1% still enrolled · 43% left or unknown
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$30,530
10 yrs after entry$39,060
Debt
Median at graduation$30,470
Monthly payment$323
Middle 50% owe$9k–$33.5k
90th percentile$45,841
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
93%
Test policy
Test optional
Per College Scorecard
SAT average
965
R 430–550 · M 390–520
ACT midpoint
18
Comp 15–20 · E 13–21 · M 15–18
SAT middle 50%: 820–1070
40080012001600

Wondering if Jackson State University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Essay prompts

If Jackson State University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 37%Women 63%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
14 : 1
Pell grant
72%
First-gen
32%
Family income
$21,266
Independent
29%
Age at entry
23.0
Part-time
10%
Race & ethnicity
White
2%
Black
94%
Non-resident
2%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division I-FCS · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Bowling
    Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Soccer
    Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$30,530
After 10 yrs
$39,060
Biology, General99
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other80
Social Work62
Education, Other55
Criminal Justice and Corrections55
Health and Medical Administrative Services48
Business Administration, Management and Operations47
Communication and Media Studies42
Psychology, General35
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas31
Accounting and Related Services29
Computer and Information Sciences, General26
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods26
Computer Engineering22
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities21
Political Science and Government17
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$61M
Full-time faculty
60%
Faculty salary
$7,988/mo
Teaching spend
$10,884
per student
Federal loans
82%
Classification
Carnegie type
Doctoral University
Research activity
R2 — high research
$25M research spending · 51 research doctorates a year
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

Wondering if Jackson State University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search