Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 51.1%
- Retention Rate
- 64.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $45,235
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,189
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 42.1%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $235/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $63,997 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $63,997 | $44,321 |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $24,750 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $59,846 | $20,500 |
| Education, General. | Master | $59,576 | $31,319 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,874 | $15,330 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $57,017 | $28,071 |
| Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other. | Master | $50,439 | $35,900 |
| Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other. | Bachelor | $49,058 | $27,667 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $48,745 | $22,492 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $45,696 | $27,992 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $45,500 | $29,552 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $43,519 | $32,558 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $39,369 | $40,675 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $39,009 | $22,440 |
Outcomes Overview
Jacksonville State graduates face a challenging financial picture after college. The median debt of $22,189 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of nearly 50% against starting salaries of $45,235. Monthly loan payments of $235 consume about 6% of gross income, which is manageable but not ideal. The university's strong teacher education programs funnel many graduates into public education, where salaries start lower but offer job security and benefits. Football alumni like Ken Stabler represent outlier success stories. With only a 42% loan repayment rate, many graduates struggle to pay down their debt promptly. The 97% employment rate looks promising, but earnings growth appears modest. Overall, Jacksonville State offers a weak return on investment for most students.