Jackson State University Admissions

ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, Financial Aid, Tuition, Graduation Rate & More

Jackson State University Marching Band
Jackson State University Marching Band. "SGT" Robinson / Flickr
by Allen Grove
Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with 20 years of experience helping students transition to college.
Updated October 03, 2017

Jackson State University Admissions Overview:

Those interested in applying to Jackson State will need to submit, in addition to the application, high school transcripts and scores from either the SAT or ACT. The school is not highly selective--the acceptance rate in 2016 was 63%. Successful applicants generally have strong grades, good test scores, and an overall impressive application. For more information, check out Jackson State's website, or contact the admissions office.

Will You Get In?

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Admissions Data (2016):

Jackson State University Description:

Founded in 1877, Jackson State University is a historically black university located on a 125-acre campus in Jackson, Mississippi. JSU offers a range of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs. Professional fields and the sciences are particularly popular among undergraduates. On the student life front, Jackson State has an active fraternity and sorority system. The school also has two Greek organizations for students involved in band, and The Sonic Boom of the South, Jackson State's marching band, has played at numerous college and professional athletic venues. In athletics, the Jackson State Tigers compete in the NCAA Division I Southwestern Athletic Conference. JSU fields eight men's and ten women's Division I athletic teams.

Enrollment (2016):

  • Total Enrollment: 9,811 (7,492 undergraduates)
  • Gender Breakdown: 37% Male / 63% Female
  • 87% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

  • Tuition and Fees: $7,261 (in-state); $17,614 (out-of-state)
  • Books: $2,300 (why so much?)
  • Room and Board: $8,708
  • Other Expenses: $4,800
  • Total Cost: $23,069 (in-state); $33,422 (out-of-state)

Jackson State University Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 89%
  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
    • Grants: 84%
    • Loans: 69%
  • Average Amount of Aid
    • Grants: $8,949
    • Loans: $6,706

Academic Programs:

Transfer, Retention and Graduation Rates:

  • First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 71%
  • 4-Year Graduation Rate: 19%
  • 6-Year Graduation Rate: 38%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

  • Men's Sports: Baseball, Tennis, Football, Golf, Basketball, Track and Field, Cross Country
  • Women's Sports: Track and Field, Soccer, Tennis, Softball, Cross Country, Basketball, Golf

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

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