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Jackson State University
Jackson State University admits nearly everyone — 93.2% of applicants. A feature, not a flaw: the page below asks whether Jackson State University is worth attending, not whether you'll get in.
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Jackson State University sits in Jackson proper — a public campus woven into the city rather than walled off from it. It is one of the nation's historically Black colleges and universities, a designation that shapes both its history and its present mission.
Its highest-earning path is Computer Science, where graduates median $90,577 four years out. Faculty pay averages $95,856 a year here — a rough proxy for what the school spends on the teaching itself. With 4,600 undergraduates and a residential core, weekends happen on campus — and 62.4% of first-years come back for a second year.
Submitters admitted here typically landed between 850 and 1080 — below the MS middle for four-year schools. Put your own practice estimate on Jackson State University's range with the SAT calculator, or bring a saved GPA from the grade tools.
Admissions
Scores help here but aren't the gate. If your SAT sits inside the 850–1080 submitter range, sending it likely helps; below it, Jackson State University's own policy says you can leave it out.
| Score | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading & Writing | 440 | 490 | 550 |
| SAT Math | 410 | 470 | 530 |
| ACT Composite | 15 | 18 | 20 |
Percentiles are among students who submitted scores (Fall 2023 admissions cycle).
In the Fall 2023 cycle, Jackson State University received 14,141 applications and admitted 12,873 (91%), with 978 enrolling.
How Jackson State University compares
| Jackson State University | Mississippi median | National median | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 93.2% | 77.6% | 77.2% |
| Tuition (in-state) | $8,965 | $10,202 | $19,591 |
| Median earnings (10 yr) | $39,060 | $42,539 | $53,781 |
Ten years out, Jackson State University's median earnings are $39,060 — below the Mississippi benchmark of $42,539. Weigh that against the $8,965 price above; the by-major table shows majors drive much of this gap.
Cost, size & completion
As a public university, Jackson State University prices by residency: $8,965 in-state versus $11,965 out-of-state — a $3,000 gap that makes state lines part of the decision.
Jackson State University enrolls 4,600 undergraduates — mid-sized, with the trade-offs Jackson State University's scale implies: more programs than a small college, more anonymity too.
50.9% graduate within six years. Roughly 49% don't — ask a Jackson State University tour guide what happens to them and watch the answer carefully.
Top majors by earnings at Jackson State University
| Bachelor's program | Median earnings, 4 yrs after completion |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | $90,577 |
| Computer Engineering | $89,702 |
| Civil Engineering | $78,824 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $59,996 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $56,747 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $52,107 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $50,246 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | $49,299 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $46,799 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $46,472 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | $45,707 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $45,308 |
| Psychology, General | $44,881 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $42,260 |
| Social Work | $41,566 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $40,365 |
| Biology, General | $38,027 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $37,959 |
| Education, Other | $36,481 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $33,213 |
Median earnings for these 20 Jackson State University programs come from a different federal cohort than the campus-wide $39,060 above — compare rows to each other, not to that 10-year figure. 22 additional Jackson State University programs have earnings withheld under federal privacy rules.
Frequently asked questions
What GPA and test scores do you need for Jackson State University?
Among admitted students who submitted scores, the middle 50% scored 850–1080 on the SAT. There's no published GPA cutoff — pair these ranges with the 93.2% admission rate to judge your odds.
What is Jackson State University's acceptance rate?
91% in the Fall 2023 cycle — 12,873 admitted from 14,141 applicants.
How much does Jackson State University cost?
In-state tuition is $8,965; out-of-state students pay $11,965. Fees, housing and aid move the real total in both directions.
What do Jackson State University graduates earn?
Federal data puts median earnings at $39,060 ten years after enrolling. The table above breaks this down by major.
Similar colleges in Mississippi
- University of Mississippi — 96.6% admitted
- Mississippi University for Women — 90.3% admitted
- Mississippi Valley State University — 92.4% admitted
- Delta State University — 100% admitted
Run your own numbers
Data: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (Jun 2026), IPEDS ADM2023/HD2024. Retrieved 2026-09-01. Figures reflect the latest federal cohorts, which lag the current admissions cycle.