Jackson State University provides exceptional access to higher education for students who might otherwise lack opportunities, serving as a crucial pathway for Pell-eligible and first-generation students in Mississippi.
The university combines broad accessibility with manageable costs and strong loan repayment performance, though students should choose programs strategically to maximize long-term outcomes.
Jackson State University ranks among public four-year institutions with a focus on access and affordability rather than maximum earnings outcomes. As a historically Black public university in Mississippi, JSU serves a predominantly low-income student population, with 68% of students receiving Pell Grants and about 32% being first-generation college students. The university's access composite score places it in the 94th percentile nationally, reflecting its commitment to serving underrepresented populations.
While JSU excels at providing educational opportunities to students who might otherwise lack access to higher education, graduates earn a median of $39,060 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the bottom 5% nationally for long-term earnings. However, this outcome varies significantly by program choice. Computer engineering graduates earn around $63,005, demonstrating that strong financial returns are possible in certain fields, while other popular majors like biology and business administration show more modest earnings outcomes.
Jackson State University represents the classic trade-off between access and outcomes that characterizes many under-resourced institutions. For students who choose their programs strategically and value the cultural significance and community support of an HBCU environment, JSU provides an affordable pathway to a college degree with net prices well below national averages across all income levels.
Jackson State University's program portfolio reflects both opportunities and challenges for students focused on long-term earnings. Computer Engineering stands out as the clear financial winner, with just 31 graduates earning a median of $63,005 ten years out—demonstrating that strong outcomes are achievable in technical fields. This program represents JSU's potential when students choose strategically and the university can leverage its resources effectively.
Biology dominates enrollment with 124 graduates but shows more modest earnings at $21,632, reflecting the challenges many biology majors face without additional graduate education. Business Administration, with 55 graduates earning around $24,904, and Forensic Social Work, with 84 graduates at $25,194, represent the middle tier of JSU's offerings—providing stable career pathways but not the high earnings potential of engineering.
The key insight for prospective students is that program choice matters enormously at JSU. While the university's overall earnings outcomes lag national averages, students who can successfully complete technical programs like computer engineering will find strong financial returns. Those interested in biology, business, or social work should understand they're choosing fields that typically require additional education or offer more modest financial rewards, though they may provide other forms of personal and professional satisfaction.
Jackson State University graduates earn a median of $39,060 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the bottom 5% nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. This reflects both the university's mission as an access-focused institution and the reality that earnings vary dramatically by program choice. Students should approach JSU with realistic expectations about financial returns while recognizing that strategic program selection can lead to much stronger outcomes.
The variation in earnings by major is particularly pronounced at JSU. Computer Engineering stands out with graduates earning around $63,005 ten years out, demonstrating that strong financial returns are achievable in certain technical fields. Biology, the program with the highest aggregate return due to its large enrollment of 124 graduates, shows more modest earnings at $21,632, while Business Administration graduates earn around $24,904. Forensic Social Work, another popular program with 84 graduates, leads to earnings of approximately $25,194.
For students considering JSU, program choice becomes especially critical given the wide earnings spread across majors. The university's strength lies in providing access to higher education for underrepresented populations, but students focused primarily on maximizing long-term earnings should carefully evaluate whether their intended field of study aligns with stronger-performing programs like computer engineering, or whether they might find better financial outcomes at other institutions.
Jackson State University offers strong affordability across all income levels, making it accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay a net price of about $19,018 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $22,679 per year, and higher-income students pay approximately $23,333. These prices place JSU well below national averages for public universities, reflecting both Mississippi's lower cost structure and the university's commitment to keeping education accessible.
The university's affordability extends beyond sticker prices to manageable debt levels for most students. Typical graduates leave with about $30,470 in federal student loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $12,835. With a 0% federal loan default rate, JSU demonstrates that its graduates, while earning modest amounts compared to national averages, are generally able to manage their debt obligations successfully.
What makes JSU particularly sustainable from an affordability perspective is the combination of low net prices and predictable costs. The relatively small gap between net prices across income bands means families can plan effectively, and the modest debt levels ensure that even with lower post-graduation earnings, most borrowers can handle their repayment obligations without significant financial strain.
Jackson State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
