Founded in 1877, Jackson State University. is a Public college. Located in Mississippi, which is a city setting in Mississippi, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 7,492 full time undergraduate students, and 2,319 full time graduate students.
The Jackson State University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 18:1. There are 373 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Jackson State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
63%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
0
SAT Range
820-1060
ACT Range
17-21
Admissions at JSU are considered Selective, with ,77% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 14 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Jackson State University.
2%
“We”re apathetic”
16%
“We know about current events and vote”
70%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
12%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
10%
“Sometimes, but not often”
38%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
52%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
12%
“I only go out in groups”
58%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
30%
“I feel extremely safe”
6%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
8%
“We bought the gear”
86%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
14%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
68%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
18%
“We”re a very artistic group”
6%
“Haven”t met them”
2%
“Available in class”
46%
“They keep regular office hours”
46%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
8%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
74%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
18%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
14%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
50%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
20%
“We only party on weekends”
16%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
27%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
61%
“There might be people who do”
6%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
6%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
2%
“We”re apathetic”
16%
“We know about current events and vote”
70%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
12%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
10%
“Sometimes, but not often”
38%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
52%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
12%
“I only go out in groups”
58%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
30%
“I feel extremely safe”
6%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
8%
“We bought the gear”
86%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
14%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
68%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
18%
“We”re a very artistic group”
6%
“Haven”t met them”
2%
“Available in class”
46%
“They keep regular office hours”
46%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
8%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
74%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
18%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
115 Students rated on-campus housing 4.1 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
76 Students rated off-campus housing 3.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
120 Students rated campus food 3.8 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
119 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 46 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
119 Students rated class size 4.3 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
119 Students rated school activities 4.5 stars. 65 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
120 Students rated local services 4 stars. 46 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
119 Students rated academics 4.4 stars. 56 % gave the school a 5.0.
Jackson State University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Jackson State University?
65 Students rated Jackson State University
Gabrielle
Prospective04/15/2025
It is close to home and has a large variety of options for the career that I want.
Tenille
College04/10/2025
I graduated from Jackson State University in 2004. My college experience was nothing short of amazing. There are so many things that make this school one of the best places to attend college, but was most meaningful to me was the care and support from the professors. JSU is truly a family atmosphere so even though I was miles away from loved ones, I still felt right at home. From seeing the amazing Sonic Boom of the South Band perform at sporting events to participating in the Greek organization events, JSU is a place where everyone can have a memorable college experience. Im so grateful for my time at JSU, and I'm so proud to be an alumnus of this outstanding place of learning.
Adriana
Prospective04/06/2025
Jackson State University (JSU) has a strong reputation, particularly as a historically Black university (HBCU) in the United States. It’s known for its commitment to academic excellence, community involvement, and producing graduates who go on to excel in various fields. The university offers a wide range of degree programs, particularly in areas like education, business, engineering, and health sciences.
In terms of campus life, JSU provides a rich cultural environment with various student organizations, athletics, and traditions that help foster a sense of community. Its location in Jackson, Mississippi, also allows students to engage with the local community while pursuing their education.
The university has earned praise for its diverse student body, strong faculty, and affordable tuition, though, like many institutions, some students and alumni have voiced concerns about resources or campus facilities at times.
Overall, Jackson State University offers a supportive and empowering environment for students, especially those looking for a strong sense of history and culture in their education. It’s rated positively by many, particularly for its role in providing opportunities for underrepresented groups in higher education. However, individual experiences may vary based on specific programs or needs.
Travis
06/17/2024
It is a fantastic school if you want you love getting along with students and want to meet lifelong friends but the area it is in is a little sketchy. There is always something going on with student life on campus and everyone makes an effort to insure you have to tools you need to succeed if you are interested to.
Amaya
11/07/2023
I've always been a big part of the school. My family are all fans, especially because of Sonic Boom and the football games. I have an aunt who's an English professor there and an older brother who goes there and always updates me on experiences. If you're in Jackson you're likely to see and know a lot of Jackson State fans. Jackson State is an open and supportive community and it's definitely one of my top choices to attend.
Holly
02/20/2023
I have loved my experience at this HBCU. Although this is a HBCU, there is a great amount of diversity on campus, and it's a very friendly and pleasant school! I love the diversity and the acceptance that is there, and the love I've received from everyone on campus in each department within this school. It's refreshing to attend a school with a variety of different ethnic backgrounds and different races, when racism within our country is still such a prevalent issue -- and to not experience this type of discrimination or racist type treatment! I can't say enough positive things about this school and the opportunities I've had since being a part of this HBCU community.
Jaylin
02/17/2023
Jackson State University is a great university. At JSU we "Challenge Minds, and Change Lives!" We have a song that we sing and it says, "I'm so glad, I go to JSU" over and over. When we sing it, we sing our hearts out because Jackson State University is just that amazing! Go Tigers!
DeAnne
11/20/2021
I would be interested in attending this university . I’ve heard good and bad concerning this university. It isn’t in the best of neighborhoods but I would still feel safe attending here. It is like anything and anywhere else if you keep your nose clean and do what you’re there to do you won’t be drawn into the mess.
Kayla
05/12/2021
Thee I love
Paris
01/04/2021
My opinion, on Jackson State University while visiting the school, Is that it is a decent school. I think that the school is known for its performing arts. If I were to go to this school I think I would enjoy myself there, it also is a black school.
Jakayla
06/20/2020
It is a great cultured school. I’m attending due to the foundation it has created for many African Americans before me. This is a great historical black university and my academics are furthering me for my future to be a great outspoken proud African American.
Tykierra
05/29/2020
My overall opinion of Jackson State University is very steep and to the point. They are super friendly and humble around the campus. It's a variety of opportunities and the teachers are great. I feel very safe and well monitored on the campus. I couldn't see myself anywhere else.
Chelsea
02/20/2020
This is by far the worst school to attend. They are unorganized and unprofessional. The advisors are not familiar with Graduation requirements and departments are not on the same page. If you are thinking about coming here for online studies, I would not. The employees do not take request over the phone as a priority. Teachers are self-centered. Professor are hardly in their office and they don’t respond to emails in a timely manner. Two semesters I have been waiting for graduation and every semester I am told I need one more class. I wouldn’t recommend this college at all.
Brianna
01/09/2020
I love Jackson state it’s a great place to go to college . Everyone is so nice and the band is so good . The campus is kinda big though, my mother went there and so we are always visiting and they give you great tips . Everybody is like a family . When I go down there everybody supports Jackson state university
Tania
11/07/2019
Jackson State is a school students call home. Jackson State takes care of all students in all aspects, no one will ever feel misplaced or un welcomed while attending Jackson State. This school is what you will label as your home away from home! A place of learning, spectacular student involvement on and off campus, and somewhere that will leave a mark in your heart permanently.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Jackson State University is 63%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself "you are going to encounter numerous obstacles and not to lose who you really are, amongst the hustle and bustle". I would tell myself to be patient, goal-oriented, and have good organizational skills. I would weigh the pros and cons of my major to make sure this is what I want to do, along with the guidiance of my advisor and professors. I would tell myself not to get discouraged, when one door closes another will open. I would tell my future-self to talk to my professors when ever I did not understand something, or I felt I did not do the quality of work I know I am capable of doing. Most of all, I would tell myself all things I want to do is possible, if I focus and put my mind to it and that I am going to make some mistakes but they will be worth learning from.
The best thing for me personally is the amount of extracurricular activities that are available on campus. I am an out-of-state student so moving to Mississippi was hard for me. At first I didn't like it because I was lonely, but once I began joining various social and academic organizations, as well as attending social activities like sports games, I loved it.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
That we have such a rich tradition of where our fonders and past presidents have impacted our campus in great ways. One example is that most of our insturctional buildings are named after past presidents.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
As a transfer student to Jackson State University, I would not say that there is a worst thing on the campus. I feel as though I would not change a thing about it. The classes are not crowded and parking is very coinvenient, along with everything needed to succeed with a great education from an awesome and affordable University that is well known in the south.
The type of person who should attend this school should be eager for learning. They should have great school spirit because we have one of the best football teams in the SWAC. The person should have a great sense of the school history and dedicated to putting in long hours for studying.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
The school isn't known for its dominance in sports, but it is known for its band. If you enjoy a well organized band that is well known within the area, then this is a school you might want to check into.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
89% of students attending Jackson State University receive some sort of financial aid.
70% were awarded federal grants.67%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.