Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 33.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 32.2%
- Retention Rate
- 68.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $39,060
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $30,470
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 38.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $323/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $26,320 |
| 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 | $29,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $53,984 | $70,935 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $50,856 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $28,001 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $46,087 | $39,564 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $46,087 | $46,125 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $28,687 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $37,568 | |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $37,208 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $36,995 | $51,250 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $35,772 | $71,750 |
Outcomes Overview
Jackson State graduates earn a median of $39,060 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-income ratio of 78% with typical debt of $30,470. Monthly loan payments of $323 consume about 10% of gross income, which is manageable but above ideal thresholds. The university's strong connections to professional sports and entertainment industries help explain why 96.2% of graduates find employment. Many JSU alumni land positions in education, business, and government across the South. However, the relatively modest earnings compared to debt levels reflect broader challenges facing HBCU graduates in salary negotiations and industry access. Despite strong employment rates and notable success stories in athletics and media, Jackson State offers an average return on investment.