At $20,191/yr net price, Jackson State University graduates earn $39,060/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,060/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,191 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,764 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,060/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,060/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 16 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $30,470 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,018/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,006/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,679/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,845/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,333/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
32.2% of students at Jackson State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Jackson State University delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $39,060 ten years after graduation against $30,470 in typical debt. The 32% graduation rate means two-thirds of students leave without a degree but often with debt.
Engineering programs provide the clear exception to JSU's weak ROI story. General engineering graduates earn $76,460 annually, while computer engineering majors make $63,005 with manageable $26,320 debt loads. Civil engineering also pays off at $55,338 yearly. These STEM programs justify the investment at Jackson State.
Most other majors struggle in Mississippi's limited job market. Communication disorders and teacher education offer modest returns around $55,000, but you face significant risk with JSU's low completion rates. If you cannot handle rigorous coursework or lack strong academic preparation, you risk joining the 68% who do not graduate.
Jackson State works financially if you can succeed in engineering or enter with strong academic credentials that make graduation likely. The school serves 68% of students with financial aid, making it accessible for low-income Mississippi residents who might otherwise skip college entirely.
Avoid JSU if you want to study business, liberal arts, or other non-technical fields where job prospects remain weak in the regional market. The combination of low graduation rates and poor earnings outcomes creates substantial financial risk for students who struggle academically or choose lower-paying majors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jackson State University worth the cost?
Jackson State University's ROI is below average, with graduates earning $39,060 ten years after enrollment while carrying median debt of $30,470. The low 32% graduation rate means many students pay tuition without completing their degree.
What are the best paying programs at Jackson State University?
Engineering programs offer the strongest returns at Jackson State, with general engineering graduates earning $76,460 and computer engineering graduates earning $63,005. These programs can justify the cost, while most other majors lead to earnings below the national average.
How much debt do Jackson State University graduates have?
Jackson State graduates carry a median debt of $30,470, which is manageable for engineering students but creates financial strain for graduates in lower-paying fields. With average post-graduation earnings of $39,060, many graduates face difficult debt-to-income ratios.
Does Jackson State University provide good financial aid?
Jackson State's net price of $20,191 per year is relatively affordable for a four-year degree. However, the high acceptance rate of 89% and low graduation rate suggest the school may not provide adequate academic support to help students complete their programs successfully.