All schools
PublicUrbanHBCU

Jackson State University

Jackson, Mississippi 39217

Visit website

Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

UrbanHBCU

Known for business

Jackson State University is a public institution in Jackson with particular strength in business and biology. With an average SAT of 974, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 4.8K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

32% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $39,060 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $20,191.

Established
1877
Motto
Excellentia academia investigatio et officium
Mascot
Bengal Tiger
Type
Public historically black research university
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

1 upcoming visit · Next: Fri, May 29 · Campus Tour

Plan Your Visit

91%Acceptance
974SAT Avg
4,769Students
15:1Student:Faculty
32%Grad Rate
$39,060Earnings 10yr
$20,191Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate91.0%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 974

Reading & WritingMid: 430
440550
MathMid: 530
410530

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 18
1520

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

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$9,090
Tuition (out-of-state)$10,110
Room & Board$11,782
Books & Supplies$1,400
Total Cost of Attendance$28,611
Average Net Price$20,191
Median Debt at Graduation$30,470
Monthly Payment (10yr)$323

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$19,018
$30–48K$19,006
$48–75K$22,679
$75–110K$26,845
$110K+$23,333

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Net Price Trend

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

22.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

-3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$24,751

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

36

Peer Average

37

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Incident Breakdown (2024)

9

Burglary

2

Aggravated Assault

1

Robbery

3

Motor Vehicle Theft

4

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

10

Drug Arrests

7

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (85)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

68%

Below Average

Student Body

Undergrads
4,769
Gender Split
64% / 36%
Women / Men
First Generation
32%
Pell Grant Recipients
68%

Race & Ethnicity

White 2%
Black 95%
Two+ 1%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate32.2%
Freshman Retention68.5%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$30,530
10 Years$39,060

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#363
vs 2024
Washington Monthly
#102
vs 2024

More About This School

Varsity Sports

Basketball hasBasketball tournament

History & Fun Facts

  • History Jackson College in 1889 Jackson State University developed from Natchez Seminary, founded October 23, 1877, in Natchez, Mississippi.
  • In 1883, the school changed its name to Jackson College and moved from Natchez to a site in Jackson, the capital.
  • The college moved to its current location early in the 20th century, where it developed into a full state university.
  • In 1934, during the Great Depression, the Baptist Society withdrew financial support.
  • The school became a state-supported public institution in 1940 as the Mississippi Negro Training School.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

91Average

Estimated from MS state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 0"Sunny days: 240Rainy days: 85

Nearest Cities

New Orleanspop. 380K
162 mi(281 min)
Nashvillepop. 690K
331 mi(574 min)
Atlantapop. 500K
352 mi(610 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

MSY New Orleans159 mi
MEM Memphis190 mi
BHM Birmingham219 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA1256 mi · ~36h 17m drive
New York, NY1069 mi · ~30h 53m drive
Hartford, CT1164 mi · ~33h 38m drive
Providence, RI1224 mi · ~35h 22m drive
Albany, NY1148 mi · ~33h 10m drive
Syracuse, NY1066 mi · ~30h 48m drive
Rochester, NY1016 mi · ~29h 21m drive
Buffalo, NY957 mi · ~27h 39m drive
Philadelphia, PA990 mi · ~28h 36m drive
Pittsburgh, PA799 mi · ~23h 5m drive
Harrisburg, PA923 mi · ~26h 40m drive
Newark, NJ1062 mi · ~30h 41m drive
Washington, DC868 mi · ~25h 5m drive
Baltimore, MD901 mi · ~26h 2m drive
Atlanta, GA352 mi · ~10h 10m drive
Charlotte, NC574 mi · ~16h 35m drive
Raleigh, NC704 mi · ~20h 20m drive
Miami, FL754 mi · ~21h 47m drive
Orlando, FL586 mi · ~16h 56m drive
Tampa, FL552 mi · ~15h 57m drive
Nashville, TN331 mi · ~9h 34m drive
New Orleans, LA162 mi · ~4h 41m drive
Richmond, VA808 mi · ~23h 21m drive
Chicago, IL677 mi · ~19h 33m drive
Detroit, MI797 mi · ~23h 1m drive
Minneapolis, MN891 mi · ~25h 44m drive
St. Louis, MO437 mi · ~12h 37m drive
Kansas City, MO530 mi · ~15h 19m drive
Indianapolis, IN564 mi · ~16h 18m drive
Columbus, OH665 mi · ~19h 13m drive
Cleveland, OH790 mi · ~22h 49m drive
Milwaukee, WI753 mi · ~21h 45m drive
Dallas, TX385 mi · ~11h 7m drive
Houston, TX352 mi · ~10h 10m drive
Austin, TX466 mi · ~13h 28m drive
San Antonio, TX530 mi · ~15h 19m drive
Los Angeles, CA1621 mi · ~46h 50m drive
San Francisco, CA1852 mi · ~53h 30m drive
San Diego, CA1567 mi · ~45h 16m drive
Seattle, WA1982 mi · ~57h 15m drive
Portland, OR1952 mi · ~56h 23m drive
Denver, CO971 mi · ~28h 3m drive
Phoenix, AZ1269 mi · ~36h 40m drive
Salt Lake City, UT1334 mi · ~38h 32m drive
Honolulu, HI4175 mi · ~120h 37m drive
Southern (mild winters, hot summers)

Deadline Calendar

Jackson State University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications