Jacksonville State University: 78.5% Acceptance Rate

78.5%Acceptance

$12,426Tuition

7,030Students

51%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,235Earnings

#23 in AlabamaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville State University has built its reputation around two pillars: championship-level football and producing Alabama's teachers. The Gamecocks compete in NCAA Division I and have sent notable alumni like NFL quarterback Ken Stabler and former White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest into prominent careers. With 7,030 students on a small-town campus, JSU offers the feel of a close-knit community where everyone knows the Gamecocks. The university accepts 78% of applicants with an average SAT of 1070, making it accessible to students who want Division I athletics without cutthroat admissions.

Students pay an average net price of $14,850 after financial aid, with 43% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $45,235 ten years after leaving, while carrying typical debt of $22,189. The loan payments of $235 per month represent a manageable burden given Alabama's cost of living. In-state students get the best deal at $12,426 tuition, while out-of-state families pay $22,716.

The student body is 60% women and reflects Alabama's diversity with 25% Black students. However, the 51% six-year graduation rate and 64% retention rate signal that many students struggle to finish. Those who do graduate find work easily, with a 97% employment rate.

Academics & Faculty

Jacksonville State builds its academic reputation on teacher education and business programs that serve Alabama's workforce needs. The university operates with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to professors in this full public institution. However, only 51% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing academics with work or family obligations. The school attracts students seeking practical, career-focused degrees rather than research opportunities. JSU's education program has historically prepared teachers for Alabama's public schools. Business and health sciences also draw significant enrollment. With 80% of students coming from in-state, the university maintains strong ties to local communities and employers throughout the region.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 65.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 51.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 51.1%
Retention Rate: 64.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,235
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$63,997
Business/Commerce, General.	Master	$63,997
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other.	Bachelor	$63,005
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$59,846
Education, General.	Master	$59,576
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$57,874
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$57,017
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other.	Master	$50,439
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other.	Bachelor	$49,058
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$48,745

View all 77 programs →

Campus Life

Jacksonville State sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, about 75 miles northeast of Birmingham. With housing for 2,607 students and total enrollment of 7,030, roughly 37% of students live on campus. The small-town Alabama setting means you'll need both winter coats for chilly mountain mornings and plenty of sunscreen for hot, humid summers.

Football dominates fall weekends when the Gamecocks play in Conference USA. The program has deep NFL connections, most famously through Alabama legend Ken Stabler. With 389 total athletes across 19 sports, athletics shape much of campus culture. Students gather at tailgates and pack Burgess-Snow Field for home games. The 80% in-state student body creates a tight-knit community where Alabama traditions run strong. Greek life provides social outlets, while the surrounding mountains offer hiking and outdoor activities. Downtown Jacksonville's small-town charm means most weekend entertainment centers on campus events, house parties, or short drives to Birmingham or Atlanta for bigger city experiences.

Setting: Suburb-Small
Housing Capacity: 2,607 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1883

Campus Safety (2023)

64 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Domestic Violence	17	8
Burglary	13	11
Rape	4	4
Dating Violence	3	1
Fondling	1	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 29°–53°F
July Avg: 66°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 57.4"
Annual Snowfall: 1.2"

Student Demographics

Jacksonville State draws a predominantly Alabama crowd, with 81% of students staying close to home for their college years. The student body leans female at nearly 60%, reflecting the university's reputation as a top destination for future teachers and education majors. Almost half of students qualify for Pell Grants, showing JSU's commitment to serving working-class families across northeastern Alabama. The campus brings together a diverse mix, with 60% white students and 25% Black students creating a representative snapshot of the region's demographics.

Men: 40.3%
Women: 59.7%
White: 60.1%
Black: 24.6%
Hispanic: 5.2%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 80.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 43.1%

Location

Jacksonville sits in the foothills of northeastern Alabama, about 75 miles east of Birmingham and 90 miles southwest of Atlanta. The university anchors this small college town of roughly 14,000 residents, where 80.58% of students come from within Alabama. Rolling hills and dense forests characterize the Appalachian region surrounding campus. The town revolves around university life, especially during football season when the Gamecocks compete in Conference USA. With 7,030 students in a compact setting, the campus maintains a close-knit feel despite Division I athletics. The suburban-small town environment offers outdoor recreation opportunities while keeping big-city amenities within driving distance. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare Jacksonville State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Jacksonville, Alabama 36265

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,235
Median Earnings (5 years): $51,119
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 42.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $235/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,189

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Jacksonville State University?

Jacksonville State University accepts 78.46% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a regional university. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 940-1200 on the SAT, which attracts students seeking a solid education without extremely competitive admissions pressure.

How much does Jacksonville State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $14,850 after financial aid, with 43.09% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates leave with a median debt of $22,189, which is manageable given the university's focus on practical career preparation in teaching and other fields.

What academic programs is Jacksonville State University known for?

The university has built a strong reputation for teacher education programs that serve Alabama's schools. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio and 7,030 total enrollment, students get personal attention while pursuing degrees that lead to steady employment in education and other practical fields.

What career outcomes do Jacksonville State University graduates achieve?

Graduates earn a median salary of $45,235 ten years after graduation, with a 97.0% employment rate showing strong job placement success. The university's focus on practical programs like education helps explain why 51.10% of students graduate within six years despite the regional setting.

Where is Jacksonville State University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in small-town Jacksonville, Alabama, housing 2,607 students in residence halls that serve the 7,030 total enrollment. With 59.70% women and 80.58% in-state students, the university creates a close-knit Southern community atmosphere.

Does Jacksonville State University have a strong athletics program?

The Gamecocks compete in NCAA Division I Conference USA with 19 varsity sports and 389 total athletes. The football program has gained particular recognition and helps build school spirit, supported by $6,012,764 in athletic scholarships that attract talent to this Alabama university.