About Jackson State University
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $20,191 after financial aid, with 68.38% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $39,060 ten years after leaving, but carry typical debt loads of $30,470. The 32.20% six-year graduation rate means many students struggle to complete their degrees, which directly impacts their earning potential and ability to repay loans.
Jackson State's student body is 94.86% Black and nearly two-thirds female, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The Tigers compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 12 varsity sports and award $3.5 million in athletic scholarships annually. Campus housing accommodates 2,149 students, fostering the school spirit that makes Jackson State gamedays legendary throughout the South.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 58.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 33.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 32.2%
- Retention Rate
- 68.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,060
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | Master | $76,460 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $56,234 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Doctoral | $55,964 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $55,338 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $53,984 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $50,856 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $46,087 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $46,087 |
Campus Life
Weekend life revolves around Tiger athletics and the legendary marching band performances that pack Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. With 94.86% of students being Black, JSU maintains strong HBCU traditions like step shows, homecoming celebrations, and Greek life that shapes campus culture. Students often head to nearby downtown Jackson for restaurants and entertainment, just minutes from campus. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, while the close-knit atmosphere creates lifelong friendships. Many students stay connected to campus even on weekends, drawn by the sense of community that defines the JSU experience.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 2,149 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1877
Campus Safety (2023)
40 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Murder | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–57°F
- July Avg
- 73°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 51.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 36.4%
- Women
- 63.6%
- White
- 2.0%
- Black
- 94.9%
- Hispanic
- 0.3%
- Asian
- 0.1%
- In-State Students
- 33.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 68.4%
Location
- Address
- Jackson, Mississippi 39217
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,060
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,108
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 38.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $323/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $30,470
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Jackson State University?
Jackson State University accepts 88.64% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The university serves as an important gateway to higher education, particularly for students from underrepresented communities. With an average SAT score of 1142, JSU welcomes students with a wide range of academic backgrounds.
How much does Jackson State University cost after financial aid?
Students at Jackson State University pay an average net price of $20,191 after financial aid. About 68.38% of students receive federal Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving low-income students. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to just $19,018 annually.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Jackson State University?
Jackson State University maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with an enrollment of 4,769 students. The historically black university emphasizes close mentorship and community building among its predominantly African American student body. Women make up 63.62% of the student population, reflecting national trends in higher education.
What are employment outcomes like for Jackson State University graduates?
Jackson State University graduates achieve a 96.2% employment rate, demonstrating strong career preparation despite economic challenges in Mississippi. Alumni earn a median salary of $39,060 ten years after graduation. However, only 32.20% of students graduate within six years, indicating significant retention and completion challenges.
Where do students live at Jackson State University?
Jackson State University houses students in residence halls with a capacity of 2,149 on its Jackson, Mississippi campus. The university operates on a semester calendar system and serves a predominantly in-state population. Room and board costs $11,782, contributing to a total attendance cost of $22,272 for resident students.
What is Jackson State University famous for in athletics?
Jackson State University competes in NCAA Division I with 12 varsity sports and awards $3,495,182 in athletic scholarships. The Tigers are legendary for their marching band and have produced NFL Hall of Famers like Walter Payton and Lem Barney. The university competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and maintains fierce rivalries with other HBCUs like Alcorn State.
