Jackson State University

Jackson State University: Academics, Admissions & Tuition Info

Research the Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. Learn about its admission info, degree programs and financial aid to make an informed education decision.

About Jackson State University

Undergoing seven name changes before becoming Jackson State University in 1974, the school was originally established in 1877 as Natchez Seminary. Calling Jackson, Mississippi home since 1882, Jackson State was founded by the American Baptist Home Mission Society as a place to educate African Americans living in Mississippi and surrounding states. With a long history in training young men and women in leadership, by 1956 Jackson State had added a teacher training program, bachelor's degrees and a graduate program in the arts and sciences. Jackson State employs a curriculum based on public service programs geared towards seeking solutions to urban problems in many different environments.

Academics

Jackson State is comprised of five colleges: the College of Public Service, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, College of Education and Human Development, College of Liberal Arts and College of Business. Through these colleges, the university offers a wide array of baccalaureate, graduate and doctoral degrees.

Known for its teacher training programs through the College of Education and Human Development, the university offers bachelor's degrees in elementary education, child care and family education; master's degrees in early childhood education, elementary education and reading, a Master of Arts in Teaching and a doctoral degree in early childhood education.

Admissions

Incoming freshman applicants must complete an application as well as submit official high school transcripts, ACT or SAT test scores, and an immunization record. Jackson State also requires students to fulfill courses within the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) before applying. Students are encouraged to apply as early as January in order to qualify for early acceptance by April 1. All applications for fall admittance must be submitted by August 1 to be considered for acceptance.

Students applying to one of the graduate programs at Jackson State must have their application submitted by March 1 for fall, March 15 for summer and October 15 for the spring semester. All students applying to a graduate program must complete an application and submit two official transcript copies. Students holding a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at the undergraduate level will be awarded regular status admission whereas students with a GPA of 2.5 -2.99 will be considered on a conditional basis. Other deadlines and requirements may apply for specific programs and students should check the website for further information. The total student enrollment at Jackson State is 8,903; 6,844 undergraduates and 2,059 graduate students. 93% of undergraduate students are African American.

Tuition & Financial Aid

The cost of attending Jackson State for undergraduate Mississippi residents in the 2012-2013 academic year is $250 per credit hour if enrolled in 1-11 credits. In-state graduate students are charged $333 per credit hour for 1-8 credits. All students enrolled full-time (12-19 credits for undergraduates, 9-13 credits for graduates) pay $2,994. Jackson State has a $4,344 fee for all undergraduate and graduate out-of-state residents. In addition, undergraduate non-residents pay $362 per credit hour for 1-11 credits. The cost for non-resident graduate students is $483 per credit for 1-8 credit hours.

Jackson State has several options to help students with the cost of attendance, including scholarships, grants, loans and a work study program. Students should check with the Office of Financial Aid for more information on financial assistance through federal, state, institutional and private options. In 2011, 95% of first-year undergraduate students used some form of financial aid.

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY QUICK FACTS
School Type	4-year, public*
Degrees Offered	Bachelor's, master's, post-master's certificate, doctor's*
Religious Affiliation	None**
Academic Calendar	Semester**
School Setting	Urban***
Student Body	In 2011: 6,844 undergraduate and 2,059 graduate students*
Student Housing	Yes**
ACADEMICS
Schools and Programs	Five colleges; over 90 degrees**
Student-Faculty Ratio	18 to 1*
Most Popular Fields of Study by Degree Level (Number of Recipients)	In 2011: Bachelor's: Business, Management, Marketing and Related Support Services (202), Education (146), Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies (125), Biological and Biomedical Studies (94). Master's: Education (147), Health Professions and Related Programs (67), Public Administration and Social Service Professions (50). Doctor's: Education (29)**
Undergraduate Graduation Rates	16% in four years, 47% in six years and 50% in eight years**
ADMISSIONS
Admission Rate	31% in 2011*
Entering Class Size	852 in 2011*
First-Year Retention Rates	73% for full-time and 63% for part-time students*
Average ACT Score of Admitted Students	Average composite ACT score ranges from 17-20*
Application Due Date	August 1 for fall semester, December 1 for spring semester, May 1 or June 1 for summer semesters**
Decision Notification Date	4-6 weeks after all required information is received**
TUITION & FINANCIAL AID
Tuition (2012-2013)	For MS residents: Undergraduates: $250 per credit for 1-11 credits; $2,994 for 12-19 credits. Graduates: $333 per credit for 1-8 credits; $2,994 for 9-13 credit hours. Out-of-state residents: $4,344 fee for undergraduates and graduates; $362 per credit for 1-11 credits (undergraduates) and $483 per credit for 1-8 credits (graduates)**
Financial Aid Sources Available (Percent of Students Receiving it)	Grant or scholarship aid (91%), Pell grants (74%) and federal student loans (79%)*
Percent of Students Receiving Some Form of Aid	95% in 2011*

Sources: *College Navigator, National Education Center for Statistics, **Jackson State University, ***U.S. News & World Report, College Rankings.

School Contact Information

Address: Office of Admissions, Jackson State University, 1440 John R. Lynch St, Jackson, MS 39217
Phone: (601) 979-2121
Website: www.jsums.edu