About Jackson State University
Jackson State University was founded in Natchez, Mississippi, under the name Natchez Seminary in 1877. The university moved to Jackson, Mississippi in 1882 and officially became Jackson State University in 1974 after the curriculum expanded several times throughout the school’s history.
Today, Jackson State University is a public four-year university. As an HBCU, the university strives to empower a diverse range of students to become leaders in their fields and in their communities. Programs promote technical skills, ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and global citizenship to address issues in society and industry.
Jackson State University is a research-intensive university that offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. The school offers traditional courses on campus, online courses, hybrid courses, and enhanced courses. JSU online offers students a quality education regardless of their physical location. Earn your degree at your convenience in a supportive learning environment with Jackson State University Online.
Degrees and certificates are housed in the following colleges:
- College of Business
- College of Education and Human Development
- College of Health Science
- College of Liberal Arts
- College of Science, Engineering & Technology
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Accreditation & Licensing
Jackson State University is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
2,042Fully Online Graduate Students:
70%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$30,470Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
81%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$8,235Credit for Military Training:
YesJackson State can be a solid path to finish your degree when you stay engaged. Students tend to make better progress when they use faculty office hours and campus support services often. Career growth also depends on taking initiative. Many students build momentum by finding internships and job options on their own, including remote and out-of-state roles in some programs.
Cost is an important part of the plan. Annual tuition is listed at $11,965, and some students describe it as high. Financial aid can make a big difference in how manageable school feels. With a clear plan, steady effort, and the right support, students can keep moving toward graduation.
At Jackson State University, students describe professors who respond and follow through. Office hours are active, and help is easy to find when work gets hard.
Faculty often go the extra mile with extra credit and practical support. That kind of access gives students a clear path for questions, deadlines, and grading expectations.
Students also describe a welcoming culture, which helps when they need guidance. Together, strong faculty access and community support make help feel close and dependable.
Online classes at Jackson State work well for students who take initiative. Instructors stay involved and encourage progress. Professor support is a key part of the experience, especially when life and school compete for time.
The online format also links learning to real work goals. Students can pursue remote jobs and internships while taking classes. The pace fits self-directed learners who keep a steady routine.
At Jackson State, consistent effort and follow-through help students get the most from the program.
Classes at Jackson State are engaging and challenging in useful ways. Learning goes beyond lectures, with active class discussion and open conversation. Professors are supportive and push students to do their best. Students get practical help through office hours and extra credit when needed.
In psychology, courses follow clear core areas like cognitive, developmental, abnormal, and social psychology. That structure helps students build skills step by step. The HBCU community adds a strong sense of belonging, and that support helps students stay motivated.
Career prep is hands-on, not passive. Students often seek internships, including remote options, and apply class learning in real settings. This mix of strong teaching, clear course structure, and steady support helps students keep moving toward their goals.
Jackson State offers a strong sense of community and caring teaching. Its HBCU culture feels welcoming, connected, and supportive. Professors are a clear strength. They use office hours and extra credit to help students stay on track and keep moving forward.
The school works best for students who stay involved and take initiative. Career growth is practical, and many students build experience through internships, including remote roles. Mentorship and belonging are real strengths that help students persist and finish.
Students also talk about real cost pressure. Tuition can feel high, and many want more financial aid. Day-to-day operations can vary, with uneven administrative response at times. Safety notes are also part of the student experience.
Jackson State offers a strong sense of community and caring teaching. Its HBCU culture feels welcoming, connected, and supportive. Professors are a clear strength. They use office hours and extra credit to help students stay on track and keep moving forward.
The school works best for students who stay involved and take initiative. Career growth is practical, and many students build experience through internships, including remote roles. Mentorship and belonging are real strengths that help students persist and finish.
Students also talk about real cost pressure. Tuition can feel high, and many want more financial aid. Day-to-day operations can vary, with uneven administrative response at times. Safety notes are also part of the student experience.
Online Programs offered by Jackson State University
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jackson State University
Is Jackson State University accredited?
Yes. Jackson State University is institutionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How many online programs does Jackson State University offer?
Jackson State University offers 19 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Jackson State University offer?
Jackson State University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Jackson State University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Jackson State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Jackson State University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Jackson State University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Jackson State University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Jackson State University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 3.0, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is Jackson State University military friendly?
Jackson State University does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from Jackson State University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Jackson State University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Essay/Writing Sample, and Interview. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Jackson State University accept life experience credit?
Jackson State University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Jackson State University programs fully online or mixed?
Jackson State University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Jackson State University offer?
Jackson State University has online program options in areas such as Education, Art & Liberal Arts, Business, and Criminal Justice, Safety & Law; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Jackson State University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); AACSB International (AACSB).
Are any admission tests required for Jackson State University programs?
Some listed programs include GRE or GMAT requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Jackson State University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Jackson State University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Jackson State University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Jackson State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Jackson State University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Jackson State University is featured in 15 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Jackson State University is located in Mississippi
Mississippi at a Glance:
Top Majors in Mississippi:
Top Incentives in Mississippi:
- Mississippi HELP Grant: Up to $3,000 annually
Top Career Pathways in Mississippi:
- Entry Level: Process Engineer ($60,000)
- Mid Level: Manufacturing Manager ($85,000)
- Senior Level: Plant Director ($130,000+)
- Required Education: BS Engineering
- Certifications: Six Sigma, PE