Jackson State University
Jackson, Mississippi 39217
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
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.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
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
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 974
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
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
Programs (85)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
68%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
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)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MS state average + city premium