Founded in 1883, Jacksonville State University. is a Public college. Located in Alabama, which is a city setting in Alabama, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 7,561 full time undergraduate students, and 953 full time graduate students.
The Jacksonville State University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 18:1. There are 315 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Jacksonville State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
53%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
35
SAT Range
870-1120
ACT Range
20-26
Admissions at JSU are considered Selective, with ,63% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 27 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
74% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 42% were in the top quarter, and 19% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Jacksonville State University.
106 Students rated on-campus housing 3.4 stars. 25 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
72 Students rated off-campus housing 3.8 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
120 Students rated campus food 4 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
124 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 56 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
123 Students rated class size 4.3 stars. 54 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
123 Students rated school activities 4.2 stars. 51 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
124 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 55 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
125 Students rated academics 4.3 stars. 56 % gave the school a 5.0.
Jacksonville State University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Jacksonville State University?
69 Students rated Jacksonville State University
madison
Prospective04/27/2025
My name is Madison Jordan, and I want to attend Jacksonville State University because of its supportive campus culture and strong criminal justice program. I’m looking for a university where I can connect with professors and fellow students, and JSU’s welcoming environment stands out to me. The criminal justice program, with its focus on hands-on learning, internships, and real-world experience, will provide the skills I need for my future career. I’m passionate about criminal justice, and I believe JSU will help me succeed academically and professionally. Additionally, I’m excited about the campus life and the chance to get involved in student organizations and activities that will help me grow personally. Overall, JSU offers the perfect combination of academic opportunities, community, and campus life, making it the ideal place for me to continue my education and work toward my goals.
Daili
Prospective04/22/2025
What really draws me to Jacksonville State University is how it feels like the perfect mix of opportunity, support, and community. As someone who’s passionate about psychology and dreams of becoming a forensic psychologist, I was immediately attracted to JSU’s strong academic programs and the flexibility they offer for students pursuing careers in psychology, criminal justice, or related forensic fields.
The Department of Psychological Sciences and Philosophy at JSU stands out because it provides a solid foundation in psychology while allowing room to explore interests in criminal behavior and mental health—two areas that are crucial in forensic psychology. I also appreciate how the university encourages hands-on learning, research opportunities, and internships that can help students get real-world experience before graduation.
Beyond academics, the culture at JSU really catches my attention. It has that close-knit campus feel where students can build real connections with their professors and classmates. It’s not just about going to class—it’s about becoming part of a community that supports each other’s goals. I value that a lot, especially knowing that I’ll be in an environment that helps me stay motivated and focused.
Daili
Prospective04/21/2025
What really draws me to Jacksonville State University is how it feels like the perfect mix of opportunity, support, and community. As someone who’s passionate about psychology and dreams of becoming a forensic psychologist, I was immediately attracted to JSU’s strong academic programs and the flexibility they offer for students pursuing careers in psychology, criminal justice, or related forensic fields.
The Department of Psychological Sciences and Philosophy at JSU stands out because it provides a solid foundation in psychology while allowing room to explore interests in criminal behavior and mental health—two areas that are crucial in forensic psychology. I also appreciate how the university encourages hands-on learning, research opportunities, and internships that can help students get real-world experience before graduation.
Beyond academics, the culture at JSU really catches my attention. It has that close-knit campus feel where students can build real connections with their professors and classmates. It’s not just about going to class—it’s about becoming part of a community that supports each other’s goals. I value that a lot, especially knowing that I’ll be in an environment that helps me stay motivated and focused.
Student life at JSU also looks exciting and full of opportunities. Whether it’s student organizations, campus events, or leadership programs, there are so many ways to stay involved and grow outside the classroom. It’s important to me to go somewhere that not only helps me reach my academic goals but also helps me grow personally.
Overall, Jacksonville State University feels like a place where I can thrive—academically, socially, and professionally—as I work toward a future in forensic psychology.
Hunter
Prospective04/17/2025
I love JSU. Everyone is so friendly and personable. I truly feel welcome every time I step on campus. I plan to become a Marching Southerner, know around the country as one of the premiere college marching bands. I can't wait to start my journey at JSU!
Melissa
Prospective04/13/2025
Jacksonville State stood out to me while searching for colleges because of its biology, chemistry, and forensic science programs the school offers. JSU is also known as the "friendliest campus in the south," which is appealing because of how helpful they have been so far, pre and post application process. I was also interested in the JSU because of their competitive volleyball program.
Elizabeth
03/24/2025
it is an amazing university in alabama and truly is the most friendly campuse in the south. Everyone is so sweet and theres so many different things there they offer with the best food. everyone is so welcoming and the sports are such great experiences even when just watching from the stands.
Luis
11/22/2024
The overall atmosphere is pretty nice and very comparable in competence and opportunity to other schools. However, it's very out of the way compared to urban/suburban schools. The stores and also the basic things you would expect outside the school itself aren't super abundant.
Takizah
07/24/2024
Jacksonville state's slogan is "Friendliest campus in the south" and they definitely live up to this name. There might have been a singular time where I've met someone who wasn't the nicest, sweetest or most friendly person you'd have the hope of meeting. Both faculty and the student population are wonderful and are only paralleled by the academic and social scenes
journey
11/20/2023
Honestly, I love JSU. I truly is the friendliest campus in the south. I love how it is very welcoming and I am able to get help when I need it. The professor are really nice and easy to work with with makes the classes good. Jacksonville State has a great way of making sure everyone feels good.
Layla
09/09/2021
My opinion of Jacksonville State University is really good they have a nice campus and a huge football field my sister would LOVE to go there one day she wants to be and english teacher but she also doesnt want to live far away from us but overall the school is amazing
Shenia
05/13/2021
I love being at JSU, there are so many opportunities and so many things to do to get involved. The professors are very caring and overall just great. JSU feels like a home away from home.
Jada
01/14/2021
My opinion of JSU is that it is a beautiful campus with beautiful people. I have loved visiting the campus on multiple occasions and cannot wait to continue my education at JSU. I have met some of my closest friends through Jacksonville and can’t wait to continue with them!
Erica
01/12/2021
Jacksonville State University is an amazing school. They have very nice facilities. Food is okay. they are very friendly. the classes are very well sized. On and Off campus living is excellent. The campus is close to stores. They are very focused on Academics. The athletics program is excellent. Overall I would say Jacksonville State University is an A+ school.
Tori
11/13/2020
I loved it when I went there and I hope my daughter, Tori, will also. She will be graduating in May of 2021 from high school and is currently making many decisions regarding college. She has always wanted to be a history teacher and make a difference in other people's life. I'm excited about this chapter for her and I know she will love college as much as I did.
Sarah
05/01/2020
Jacksonville State University is one of the best colleges around. We are a big college town but very close within the community. So many great things to offer. Between local shops, small business, extra curricular activities, many amazing resources, and top of the line academics, it is the best place to be! It lives up to the term “ Friendliest Campus in the South.”
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Jacksonville State University is 53%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
I would tell myself that when I leave high school and enter the college world alot of the people who i talk to now will move on with their lives. I have to not only accept losing firends but when I get to school i need to get active around the campus and meet and friend as many people as i can.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
Before I came to this school, I wish I had known the real value life. Life at college was hard compared to that of high school. The value of college there was breath-taking as I saw numerous of times cars, dorms, and professional buildings being broke into right under my nose. I wish I had known what happens if an undividual is in he right place at the wrong time. I wish had known why students act the way they do at college, but differently around the common person? I wish I had known.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
I belive that the most frustrating thing about Jacksonville State was that there were not enough large businesses to partner with for the edcuational/real world balance.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
The worst thing I can think of would be the distance from my home. I wish I could live closer and have the option to take part in on campus activities.
The kind of person should attend this school should be focus on what he or she wants in life. This school helps the students focus on the ability to acheive their goals. So, therfore a student with a focus head and willing to do their work without any distrations should and will attend this college.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
When describing my school I tend to brag about how well my department conducts its self and how well the school works together with all departments as a whole. The departments at my school are well organized, have their priorities in tact, and are focused on helping the students to prepare fro their career. I also tend to be proud of how almost every staff member has had some real life experience in each field. This gives the students a first hand look at what they might be facing. This also helps the teachers give students better advice.
When I was there, the football team was a joke, but now it seems to be coming along. The Marching Southerners are nationally known and an icon of the university. The school is attracting too many students who just use up govt funds and then drop out two years in.
The professors generally will know your name. The only time they wont is in the intro classes and core classes, but that is because their are a lot of students in these classes. When you start taking the classes that are specific to your major or minor they will get to know you better.
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
The stereotype for college students in general is that they are rich kids who are just blowing their parents' money on alcohol, and drugs. In reality, not many students do that. Many study more than you would expect, and do not even go out to party and "have a good time".
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.
93% of students attending Jacksonville State University receive some sort of financial aid.
44% were awarded federal grants.53%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.