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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $24,257 |
| Tuition and Fees | $23,334 |
| Room and Board | $9,524 |
| Books and Supplies | $970 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$9,978 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,279 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $12,472 |
| $30–48k | $12,622 |
| $48–75k | $15,343 |
| $75–110k | $17,480 |
| $110k+ | $18,183 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Jacksonville State graduates carry median debt of $22,189, slightly above the peer median of $21,105 but remaining within reasonable bounds relative to earnings outcomes. Debt levels range from $6,750 at the 25th percentile to $28,666 at the 75th percentile, indicating significant variation in borrowing patterns among students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 suggests manageable repayment obligations, with annual debt service representing less than half of first-year post-graduation earnings. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $11,408 with monthly payments of $150, adding to family financial obligations but remaining at moderate levels.
The combination of median debt below $25,000 and earnings of $45,235 creates sustainable repayment scenarios for most graduates. Debt levels reflect the university's role serving students from diverse economic backgrounds, where federal lending provides necessary access to degree completion while remaining within bounds that support long-term financial health.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Jacksonville State provides above-average value despite below-average absolute earnings, generating $1,605 in earnings beyond expectations and ranking at the 62.3rd percentile on this value-added measure. While median earnings of $45,235 rank at the 27th percentile nationally, the combination with manageable debt of $22,189 creates favorable return conditions.
Graduates earn $4,881 less than the peer median but also accumulate $1,084 less debt, partially offsetting the earnings difference through reduced financial obligations. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 indicates sustainable repayment capacity, with most graduates able to service educational debt within reasonable timeframes.
Jacksonville State's affordability index ranks at the 73.2nd percentile, reflecting controlled costs and managed borrowing relative to outcomes. This investment profile particularly benefits students from lower-income backgrounds who prioritize degree completion and economic mobility over maximum earnings potential.
Jacksonville State serves 43.1% Pell-eligible students, well above the national average and reflecting significant enrollment of lower-income families. This Pell share, combined with the $8,572 average financial aid savings, demonstrates substantial need-based aid distribution across the student body.
The progressive net price structure shows aid concentrated among families most requiring assistance, with the lowest-income students receiving aid that reduces costs to $13,268, nearly $5,000 below published rates. Financial aid effectiveness appears strong given the combination of open access admission, high Pell enrollment, and managed net prices.
The university's aid strategy balances accessibility for lower-income students with sustainable pricing for middle-income families, supporting the diverse student composition that includes 36.4% first-generation students alongside traditional college-bound students.
