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's financial picture is shaky. You'll pay about $20,000 a year net and leave with median debt over $30,000, while typical earnings ten years out land near $39,000. That gap between what you owe and what you earn is the core problem here, and it's made worse by a graduation rate under a third. If you don't finish, you carry the debt without the degree that pays it back.
Your major decides everything. Computer Engineering graduates clear $63,000 with lower-than-average debt, and Civil Engineering follows at $55,000. Those two programs pay for the cost of attendance. Computer Science at $47,000 is workable. But the middle and bottom of the list are where the math turns against you: Criminal Justice grads earn under $35,000 against nearly $29,000 in debt, and Industrial Production Technologies isn't much better. Same price of admission, very different payoff.
The biggest risk is completion. With a retention rate around 68% and a graduation rate near 32%, the odds you leave with debt and no degree are real. Borrow accordingly.
The net price tiers are unusual. Families earning under $48,000 pay around $19,000, but the $48,000-$110,000 range actually pays more, peaking near $27,000 for the $75,000-$110,000 bracket. If your family sits in that middle-income band, budget for a higher bill than lower-income families face.
This school makes financial sense if you're committed to engineering or computer science and confident you'll finish. If you're leaning toward criminal justice or an undecided path, the debt-to-earnings math is hard to justify at this price, and you should compare cheaper in-state options before enrolling.
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.