Jackson State Community College: $4,516 Tuition

$4,516Tuition

2,211Students

20%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,224Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Jackson State Community College

This West Tennessee community college serves 2,211 students in a small city environment. Jackson State has built a reputation as an affordable stepping stone for students seeking career training or preparing to transfer to four-year universities. The college operates on a semester calendar and maintains strong ties to the local community through workforce development programs.

Students pay an average net price of $7,343 after financial aid, making it accessible for most Tennessee families. Nearly 41% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role serving working-class students. Graduates earn a median of $35,224 ten years after enrollment, providing solid returns on their modest investment. The 94.8% employment rate shows strong job placement success for career-focused programs.

Women make up 71% of the student body, typical for community colleges emphasizing nursing and health sciences. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at four-year colleges. Only 20% of students complete their programs within six years, though many transfer before graduating. The Green Jays compete in four NJCAA sports with 66 total athletes. Nearly all students come from Tennessee, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere where local connections matter for internships and job opportunities.

Academics & Faculty

Jackson State Community College serves as a transfer pathway and workforce development center for rural Tennessee. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally, though the 20% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. Women make up 71% of enrollment, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare and human services programs. The college offers strong nursing and allied health programs that feed into the region's medical facilities. Students can complete their general education requirements here for about half the cost of four-year universities, with 99% of students coming from in-state.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Full-Time Faculty: 35.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 20.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,224

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$54,453
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$50,563
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$48,823
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Associate	$35,213
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$31,038
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$30,771
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$23,340

View all 20 programs →

Campus Life

Students at this Tennessee community college face winters that require light jackets and summers where air conditioning becomes essential. The campus sits in a small city of about 68,000 people, roughly 80 miles northeast of Memphis and 120 miles west of Nashville. With 99.33% of students coming from in-state, most commute from nearby West Tennessee towns and counties.

Women make up 70.74% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at four-year schools, though professors often know returning students by name. Since this is a commuter campus without dormitories, weekends tend to empty out as students head home or to part-time jobs. The Green Jays compete in four NJCAA sports with just 66 total athletes, so athletic events draw modest crowds. Students often grab lunch between classes at the student center or study in the library. Many juggle coursework with work schedules, as the college serves students preparing for transfer or entering the workforce quickly.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1967

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 28°–48°F
July Avg: 68°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 154.3"
Annual Snowfall: 7.8"

Student Demographics

Jackson State Community College draws students primarily from West Tennessee, with nearly all enrollees coming from in-state. Women make up about 70% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong nursing and healthcare programs that traditionally attract female students. The college serves a diverse population, with about two-thirds white students and one-fifth Black students. Many come from working-class families, as shown by the 41% receiving Pell Grants. This mix creates a close-knit campus where local students pursue practical career training in healthcare, business, and technical fields.

Men: 29.3%
Women: 70.7%
White: 66.4%
Black: 21.7%
Hispanic: 4.7%
Asian: 0.9%
In-State Students: 99.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 40.6%

Location

Jackson sits in west Tennessee, about 85 miles northeast of Memphis and 130 miles southwest of Nashville. The city of 68,000 serves as a regional center for rural west Tennessee. Jackson State draws 99.33% of its students from in-state, reflecting its role as a local community college. The area blends small-city amenities with rural character, featuring historic downtown districts and rolling farmland. Students find affordable living costs that complement the college's low net price of $7,343. The region offers outdoor recreation along nearby lakes and state parks. Jackson's location provides access to larger cities while maintaining a close-knit community feel. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Jackson State Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Jackson, Tennessee 38301-3797

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,224
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,853
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,600

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Jackson State Community College?

Jackson State Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of Tennessee community colleges. With 2,211 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in west Tennessee. Nearly all students (99.33%) come from Tennessee, reflecting its role as a regional educational center.

How much does Jackson State Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,343 annually at Jackson State Community College. In-state tuition runs $4,516 while out-of-state students pay $17,716. About 40.62% of students receive financial aid, with institutional grants averaging $6,724 for recipients.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Jackson State Community College?

Jackson State Community College maintains a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges. The college operates on a semester calendar system and focuses on career-oriented programs and transfer preparation. Founded in 1967, it has built a reputation for serving working adults and traditional students seeking affordable education.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Jackson State Community College?

Jackson State Community College has a 20% six-year graduation rate, reflecting the part-time enrollment patterns common at community colleges. However, graduates achieve a strong 94.8% employment rate with median earnings of $35,224 ten years after enrollment. The college excels at preparing students for immediate workforce entry in regional industries.

What is the campus demographic breakdown at Jackson State Community College?

Jackson State Community College serves a predominantly female student body with women comprising 70.74% of enrollment. The student population is 66.35% white and 21.71% Black, reflecting the demographics of west Tennessee. This gender distribution is common among community colleges, where many programs attract women returning to education or entering healthcare fields.

Does Jackson State Community College offer athletics programs?

Jackson State Community College fields four varsity sports through the NJCAA with 66 total student-athletes competing as the Green Jays. The college awards $178,886 in athletic scholarships annually. While athletics plays a smaller role than at four-year institutions, the programs provide opportunities for student engagement and recruitment in the Jackson community.