At $14,850/yr net price, Jacksonville State University graduates earn $45,235/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,235/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,850 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,235/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,235/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,189 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,268/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,842/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,202/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,157/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,079/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $63,997 | $44,321 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $63,997 | |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
51.1% of students at Jacksonville State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Jacksonville State University delivers mixed financial returns with significant variation by program choice. The $14,850 annual net price creates manageable debt loads for most graduates, but the 51% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without a degree and face loan payments without the earning boost.
Nursing and business majors see the strongest returns at around $64,000 annually, though nursing students carry higher debt at $44,321. Engineering technology graduates earn $63,005 with more reasonable $24,750 debt loads. Quality control and safety technology programs offer solid $59,846 salaries with the lowest debt at $20,500, making them standout value propositions.
Education majors face a concerning mismatch between debt and earnings. At $31,319 in loans for $59,576 annual income, the debt-to-income ratio creates long-term financial strain typical of teaching careers.
The school works best for students targeting high-demand technical fields or nursing, where regional healthcare systems and manufacturing employers actively recruit JSU graduates. Alabama's lower cost of living helps stretch the $45,235 median earnings further than equivalent salaries elsewhere.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support, given the low retention rate, or if your intended major falls outside the proven earning programs. The 43% financial aid rate suggests limited need-based assistance, making this primarily a good fit for middle-income families who can handle the moderate sticker price.
JSU represents a reasonable investment for career-focused students in the right programs, but the graduation rate risk makes it unsuitable for anyone uncertain about their academic commitment or major choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jacksonville State University worth the cost?
Jacksonville State University offers decent value with a net price of $14,850 and median debt of $22,189, but graduates earn just $45,235 ten years out. The nursing and business programs perform much better than the overall average, making program choice critical for ROI.
What are the best paying majors at Jacksonville State University?
Nursing programs at Jacksonville State University lead earnings at nearly $64,000, followed by business and engineering technology programs. These programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings of $45,235.
How much debt do Jacksonville State University graduates have?
Jacksonville State University graduates carry a median debt of $22,189. With starting salaries around $45,235, this creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio compared to many universities.
Does Jacksonville State University have good job placement rates?
Jacksonville State University has a 51% graduation rate, which is below the national average. Job placement data varies significantly by program, with nursing and business graduates seeing stronger employment outcomes than other majors.