Jacksonville State combines open access admission with strong mobility outcomes, enrolling 43.1% Pell-eligible students while generating earnings beyond expectations. The university's manageable debt levels and above-average affordability support long-term financial stability for graduates from diverse backgrounds.
Below-average absolute earnings despite positive value-added outcomes
Controlled costs and reasonable debt levels relative to outcomes
Above-average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
The university's effectiveness in converting educational opportunity into economic advancement for diverse students
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisJacksonville State University delivers solid earnings outcomes alongside controlled costs and debt levels. Graduates earn a median of $45,235 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 27th percentile nationally.
While absolute earnings are below national averages, the institution generates $1,605 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 62.3rd percentile on this value-added measure. Earnings range from $28,035 at the 25th percentile to $64,633 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across disciplines.
Students seeking affordable public education with strong access for first-generation (36.4%) and Pell-eligible (43.1%) students. Well-suited for those prioritizing value over prestige, particularly students interested in nursing and health professions where Jacksonville State demonstrates exceptional outcomes.
Jacksonville State University admits approximately 76.2% of applicants, representing open access admission standards where roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive offers of admission. This places Jacksonville State among institutions prioritizing broad educational access rather than selective admission.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that Jacksonville State maintains slightly more selective standards than typical regional public universities, though still firmly within the open access category. This admission rate means that students with solid academic preparation can expect realistic admission prospects, though meeting basic academic requirements remains important.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Jacksonville State University's published cost of attendance reaches $23,422 annually, including $12,426 in-state tuition, $8,894 for room and board, and $998 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $14,850 after financial aid, representing savings of $8,572 through grant and scholarship assistance.
This net price of $14,850 compares favorably to the peer median of $14,093, positioning Jacksonville State as competitively priced within its regional market. Out-of-state students face tuition of $22,716, though financial aid can significantly reduce actual costs depending on family income and academic merit.
The university's financial aid strategy effectively reduces sticker price shock, with most students paying substantially less than published rates. Net prices vary considerably by family income, ranging from $13,268 for families earning under $30,000 to $18,079 for families earning over $110,000.
This progressive pricing structure ensures that lower-income families face the most affordable costs while middle and upper-middle-income families pay prices reflecting their financial capacity.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
288 graduates
Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other.
30 graduates
Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology/Technician.
22 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
59 graduates
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other.
28 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Southeastern Louisiana University Similar quality tier (#313 ranked) | LA | 94% | $46,482 | #313 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
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This is the Jacksonville State University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/jacksonville-state-university/analysis.
Strong access and mobility outcomes
Jacksonville State University ranks #311 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with composite performance at the 80.9th percentile. Located in Jacksonville, Alabama, this medium-sized public university maintains open admission standards with a 76.2% acceptance rate while delivering strong value outcomes.
Jacksonville State enrolls 43.1% Pell-eligible students and 36.4% first-generation students, positioning it well above typical public institutions on access measures. The university demonstrates particularly strong performance in mobility (85.6th percentile) and access (85.1st percentile), reflecting its effectiveness in serving diverse student populations.
Graduates earn $1,605 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 62.3rd percentile nationally. Median earnings reach $45,235 ten years after enrollment, while median debt remains manageable at $22,189, below the peer median of $21,105.
The university's open access mission aligns with its role serving first-generation and Pell-eligible students in Alabama and the Southeast region. Students should view Jacksonville State as an accessible option while still demonstrating academic readiness through coursework completion and reasonable test performance.
For prospective students, this admission rate indicates that academic fit and program quality should drive decision-making more than admission uncertainty.
Jacksonville State graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over their early career trajectory. Median earnings rise from $40,158 six years after enrollment to $43,146 at eight years and $45,235 at ten years, representing 12.6% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 2,844 graduates, providing confidence in the reported figures. The university generates $1,605 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Jacksonville State at the 62.3rd percentile for earnings uplift.
Low-income graduates earn $35,200, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for disadvantaged students. Earnings span from $28,035 at the 25th percentile to $64,633 at the 75th percentile, with the gap representing a 2.3:1 ratio reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.
Approximately 27.5% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
Jacksonville State University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for analysis. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing dominates enrollment with 288 graduates earning a median of $65,891 and ranking #1 in Alabama.
This flagship program accounts for 21% of all graduates and delivers a strong value score of 48.9. General Studies ranks #1 in Alabama with 105 graduates earning $39,414, while Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching ranks #3 in Alabama with 74 graduates earning $41,686.
Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies, despite smaller enrollment of 30 graduates, ranks #3 nationally and #1 in Alabama with median earnings of $63,005. Business Administration and Management graduates 71 students annually with median earnings of $44,107.
The program portfolio reflects the university's strength in practical, career-oriented fields that serve regional workforce needs.
University Of North Dakota Similar quality tier (#310 ranked) | ND | 77% | $63,552 | #310 | Compare |
University Of Puerto Rico-Carolina Similar quality tier (#309 ranked) | PR | 53% | $30,626 | #309 | Compare |
University Of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Similar quality tier (#315 ranked) | MA | 92% | $68,804 | #315 | Compare |
Midwestern State University Similar quality tier (#308 ranked) | TX | 87% | $55,747 | #308 | Compare |
