Jackson State University
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. median debt is moderately high; freshman retention is below 65%. 72% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.
About This School
Jackson State University is a public institution located in Jackson, Mississippi with approximately 4,600 undergraduate students enrolled. Jackson State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 93%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,836 per year. The graduation rate is 51%, and the typical graduate earns $33,700 within 10 years of enrollment.
Jackson State University is a public historically black research university in Jackson, Mississippi. It is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".
The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 91% acceptance rate and $20,191 average net price make this financially accessible, especially for students who need an affordable path to a degree, but a 32% graduation rate is a serious red flag that means most students who start here don't finish. The median earnings of $33,700 a decade out are modest, and with $24,751 in median debt at graduation, the return on investment is tight. Worth considering if you have a clear plan, strong self-discipline, and a specific reason to be here — like a program, scholarship, or community connection — but go in with eyes open about the completion challenge.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 14% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Worth scrutinizing. Median earnings relative to debt are tight.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,600 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in Mississippi
University of Mississippi
University, MS · Public
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS · Public
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS · Public
Hinds Community College
Raymond, MS · Public
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Perkinston, MS · Public
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Senatobia, MS · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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