Overview of Jackson State University (JSU)

Jackson State University is an HBCU situated on a 125-acre campus in Jackson, Mississippi. It offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. Outside of the classroom, the institution has a robust student life scene, and students have plenty of clubs and organizations to select from. The Sonic Boom of the South, JSU’s marching band, has performed at several college and professional athletic venues. The Jackson State Tigers play in the NCAA Division I Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 7,250 (5,331 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 36% Male/63% Female
• 91% Full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $8,620 (in-state); $19,620 (out-of-state)
• Books: $1,400
• Room and Board: $9,552
• Other Expenses: $5,178
• Total Cost: $24,750 (in-state); $35,750 (out-of-state)

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 70%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 65%
  • Loans: 57%
• Mean Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $7,788
  • Loans: $10,046

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Public Administration and Social Service Professions; Health Professions and Related Programs; and Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 53%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 24%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 43%

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Tennis, Track and Field
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Bowling, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball

Overview of Jackson State University (JSU) Admissions

The school is not highly selective–the acceptance rate in 2019 was 69%. Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. Applicants must complete an online application, and send test scores from either the SAT or ACT and high school transcripts. Glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside the admission offices’ mean range. After applying, students will receive a message from an admissions counselor about the next steps of the application process. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices.

Admissions Data                        

• Jackson State University Acceptance Rate: 69%
• Test Scores — 25th/75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 450 560
  • SAT Math: 400/508
  • SAT Writing: -/-
  • ACT Cumulative: 17/22
  • ACT English: 16/23
  • ACT Math: 16/22

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for Jackson State University, it should be easy for you to gain admission to the schools below. If Jackson State University is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Lincoln University, Harris-Stowe State University, Pine Manor College, Paul Quinn College, Wiley College, Medgar Evers College (City University of New York)

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for Jackson State University, you should have an equal chance of gaining admission to these schools.

Alabama State University, College of St. Elizabeth, Mount Ida College, Albertus Magnus College, Bloomfield College, College of St. Joseph, Texas Southern University

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will Be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than Jackson State University. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, you’ll be a competitive candidate.

University of Texas at El Paso, California State University Sacramento, California State University Northridge, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, California State University East Bay, Kean University, California State University Los Angeles

Applying to Jackson State University

Application Deadline: September 19

Undergraduate Admissions Website: http://www.jsums.edu/admissions/

Undergraduate Application Link(s): http://www.jsums.edu/apply/

Graduate Admissions Website: http://www.jsums.edu/graduateschool/

Graduate Application Link(s):

http://www.jsums.edu/graduateschool/prospective-students-home/