Jackson State University
Jackson, Mississippi · Public · 93.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 14/100 · Poor Value
Jackson State University earns a Poor Value tier with an ROI score of just 14 out of 100, one of the lowest scores in the public-HBCU category. The Jackson, Mississippi flagship HBCU posts an in-state tuition of $8,965 (out-of-state $11,965), but the average net price is $23,836 annually because room, board, fees, and high-need student aid math push the all-in cost well past tuition. Four-year cost-of-attendance lands at $95,344, which is the structural problem here. The headline failure metric is a 58-year payback period: median 6-year earnings of $27,800 simply don't recoup the cost in any reasonable working-life horizon. Median debt of $30,470 against those earnings produces a 1.096 debt-to-earnings ratio, with graduates owing more than they earn in their first year out. The 50.9% completion rate is mediocre and the 51.6% three-year repayment rate is among the lowest scores on this profile. Bright spots exist in computer science (B grade) and engineering, but the broader academic catalog produces F grades for most majors. JSU plays an important historical and community role; the financial outcomes data does not flatter that role.
The data raises concerns about Jackson State University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score14/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- Debt-to-earnings1.10 - Advisors recommend total student debt stay below one year of salary (ratio under 1.0).
- Payback period>50 years - Graduates earn at or near the level of high school completers — the cost may not recoup within a working career.
Jackson State University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $8,965/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $11,965/yr |
| Average net price | $23,836/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $95,344 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,060 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $27,800 |
| Median debt at graduation | $30,470 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $323 |
| Estimated payback period | >50 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 50.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 4,600 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Jackson State University is $8,965/year ($11,965/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $23,836/year, or roughly $95,344 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $22,869/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $27,576/year.
The median graduate leaves with $30,470 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $323 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $39,060 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 1.10 - above the recommended threshold where total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,869 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,516 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,236 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,388 |
| $110,001+ | $27,576 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning $0-30K pay $22,869 net annually, while $30,001-48,000 households pay $22,516. That four-year burden of roughly $90K is a tough match for $27,800 expected early-career earnings. Heavily Pell-eligible students should explore Mississippi state grant programs and consider community college transfer paths first.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income brackets pay $26,236 to $26,388 net annually, putting four-year costs near $105K. With 6-year earnings of $27,800, this bracket faces the most concerning debt-to-earnings outcomes: aid drops off sharply but earnings don't differentiate, producing the 1.096 institutional debt-to-earnings ratio.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families above $110K pay $27,576 net per year, or $110,304 over four years. At that price for a 6-year median income of $27,800, the case for paying full price is essentially nonexistent. High-income students should consider out-of-state public flagships or selective private options with comparable or stronger HBCU aid packages.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Jackson State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | $38,027 | F |
| Social Work | $41,566 | F |
| Education, Other | $36,481 | F |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $46,799 | F |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $45,308 | F |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $50,246 | F |
| Communication and Media Studies | $46,472 | F |
| Psychology | $44,881 | F |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $40,365 | F |
| Accounting | $59,996 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Computer Science
Computer Science is JSU's standout program with first-year median earnings of $70,347 climbing to $90,577 by year four. With $28,001 median debt, the 0.398 debt-to-earnings ratio earns a B ROI grade, the highest at the institution. Graduate count is not reported. JSU's CS program benefits from federal HBCU STEM partnerships and corporate diversity recruiting, making it the strongest financial choice on campus.
Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering posts 22 graduates per year with first-year earnings of $51,570 climbing aggressively to $89,702 by year four. With $27,000 median debt, the 0.524 debt-to-earnings ratio earns a C+ ROI grade. The four-year earnings trajectory is unusually steep, suggesting strong professional progression for graduates who enter the field.
Biology
Biology is JSU's largest major at 99 graduates per year, but the ROI math is severe. First-year median earnings of $25,354 against $29,000 median debt produces a 1.144 debt-to-earnings ratio and an F ROI grade. Year-four earnings of $38,027 show modest recovery but never reach the threshold for sustainable repayment. Pre-health students need a clear graduate or professional school plan; otherwise this major is high financial risk at JSU.
Social Work
Social Work has 62 graduates per year and produces among the worst payback math on campus: $26,873 first-year earnings against $36,403 median debt creates a 1.355 debt-to-earnings ratio and F ROI grade. Year-four earnings of $41,566 show some recovery, but social work compensation in Mississippi remains structurally low. PSLF eligibility for nonprofit and government employers is essential to make this debt manageable.
Teacher Education
Teacher Education (general) posts 26 graduates per year with first-year earnings of $40,448 climbing to $56,747 by year four. The $31,000 median debt produces a 0.766 debt-to-earnings ratio and a D ROI grade. Mississippi public-school teacher salaries are among the lowest nationally, which constrains payback even with the modest debt. PSLF and state teacher loan forgiveness programs are critical for this cohort.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 48.7% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 51.6% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 40.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 42.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 93.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 390-520 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 430-550 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 15-20 |
| Enrollment | 4,600 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 72.3% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,988 |
Jackson State admits 93.2% of applicants, functioning as effectively open-admission for in-state Mississippi students. The middle 50% SAT range is 390-520 in math and 430-550 in reading, with an ACT range of 15-20. Those test ranges are well below national 50th-percentile bands and indicate substantial academic preparation gaps coming in. The 50.9% completion rate is consistent with broad-access institutions serving high-Pell populations.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Among JSU's peer set, Alcorn State University is its closest in-state HBCU comparable and posts similar low ROI scores. Delta State University is a regional Mississippi public competing in the same labor market with somewhat better outcomes. Albany State University and Virginia State University are public HBCUs with comparable bottom-tier ROI math, while University of Maine at Augusta is an unusual peer pulled by similar enrollment scale. JSU's 14 ROI score is at the low end even of this stressed peer group.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson State University (this school) | 14 | $23,836 | $39,060 |
| Oakwood University | 14 | $25,669 | $42,488 |
| Albany State University | 14 | $11,898 | $40,674 |
| Clark Atlanta University | 14 | $37,702 | $42,712 |
| Wilberforce University | 14 | $5,567 | $38,298 |
| Fisk University | 14 | $32,020 | $45,454 |
Who Thrives Here
Jackson State fits in-state Mississippi students drawn to its HBCU mission and community, with 4,600 enrolled and a striking 72.3% Pell rate that signals the institution serves a heavily working-class and lower-income population. Outcomes look strong specifically for computer science and engineering students who complete; the 50.9% completion rate means roughly half of entrants don't finish, and those non-completers leave with debt and no degree. Best fit for STEM-focused students with clear academic preparation; high risk for undecided or underprepared students.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Jackson State University. With a net cost of $23,836 per year and median graduate earnings of only $39,060 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds >50 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 50.9% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $30,470 against $39,060 in earnings is concerning. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78 exceeds the commonly recommended threshold. Major choice is critical here.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.