Jacksonville State University
U.S. News National 2027
#353
Acceptance rate
77.7%
2025
Peer median 85.8%
Out-of-state tuition
$23,334
In-state $12,894
Peer median $18,658
Undergraduates
8,663
Student-faculty ratio 19:1
Peer median 16 : 1
Graduation rate
30.9%
4-year; 6-year rate 52.2%
Peer median 29.5%
“Peers” are all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Jacksonville State University (JSU), located in Jacksonville, Alabama, is a prominent institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. Established in 1883, the university has cultivated a rich tradition of providing quality education across a wide range of disciplines. JSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing a student-centered approach that fosters critical thinking and prepares graduates for the workforce. The university is particularly renowned for its strong programs in education, business, and the sciences, which consistently attract a diverse student body from various backgrounds.
The campus boasts a vibrant culture that encourages student involvement and extracurricular activities. JSU is home to numerous student organizations, clubs, and athletic teams, providing opportunities for students to engage socially and develop leadership skills. The university’s commitment to athletics is evident through its competitive NCAA Division I programs, which foster school spirit and camaraderie among students. Additionally, JSU’s beautiful campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, libraries, and recreational centers, enhancing the overall student experience. With a strong emphasis on community service and outreach, Jacksonville State University not only prepares students for their careers but also instills a sense of responsibility and service to the community.
Tuition and Graduation Trends at Jacksonville State University
Over the years, Jacksonville State University has seen a notable increase in tuition fees, both for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. In 2014, the in-state tuition was $8,790, which surged to $12,426 by 2024, marking an increase of approximately 41%. Correspondingly, out-of-state tuition rose from $17,280 to $22,716, representing a 31% increase. This upward trend in tuition costs is a significant concern for prospective students and their families, especially in the context of rising student debt across the nation.
Interestingly, as tuition fees have escalated, the graduation rates reflect a positive trajectory. The percentage of undergraduates graduating on time has increased from approximately 8.9% in 2013 to 21.6% in 2023. This increase of nearly 13% over a decade suggests that the university may be enhancing its support systems, leading to improved student outcomes. Furthermore, the graduation rate within 150% of the expected time has also climbed from 33.0% to 45.5%, indicating that more students are completing their degrees successfully and within a reasonable timeframe.
However, retention rates present a contrasting narrative. The retention rate for undergraduate students peaked at 78.5% in 2017 but has since declined to 65.7% in 2023. This decline raises questions about student satisfaction and the effectiveness of the university's retention strategies. As tuition costs rise, maintaining a high retention rate becomes critical, as it can significantly affect overall graduation rates and institutional reputation.
In conclusion, while Jacksonville State University has made commendable strides in graduation rates amidst rising tuition, the decline in retention rates signals a potential area of concern that warrants attention. Balancing affordability with student support will be essential for the university to sustain its growth and maintain a positive educational environment.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a small city
- Nearest major city
- Birmingham, about 60 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), about 60 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. (President)
- Phone
- 2567825781
- City
- Jacksonville, Alabama
- Address
- 700 Pelham Road North, Jacksonville, AL 36265
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 85.8% · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 55.5%, women 54.3%.
Data insights
Trends in Admissions and Enrollment at Jacksonville State University
The admission data from Jacksonville State University reveals significant trends and fluctuations over the years. Notably, the male admission rate decreased drastically from over 85% in 2009 to just 54% in 2017, reflecting a competitive environment for prospective students. Female applicants also experienced a decline in acceptance rates, with a drop from approximately 87% in 2009 to about 53% in 2017.
The total enrollment numbers, however, tell a different story. Despite the decreasing acceptance rates, enrollment figures have varied, reaching a peak in 2022 with 1,818 new students. This surge indicates that while the selectivity of the university has increased, it has still managed to attract a solid number of students, suggesting a growing reputation.
The data from the most recent years shows an interesting recovery in male and female acceptance rates, climbing back to around 78% and 79% respectively in 2023. This may suggest that the university has adapted to the changing landscape of higher education admissions, possibly influenced by a broader national trend of universities seeking to balance selectivity with enrollment goals post-pandemic.
Moreover, the number of students denied admission has remained high, peaking at over 4,600 denials in 2020, which points to an increasing pool of applicants and heightened competition. As universities navigate the complexities of enrollment management, Jacksonville State University's data highlights the ongoing challenges and adaptations in the admissions landscape.
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Test Scores
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 6% submitted SAT, 45% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Trends in Standardized Test Scores at Jacksonville State University
The data from Jacksonville State University reveals a notable trend in standardized test scores and the number of students submitting these scores over the years. From 2007 to 2023, the number of students submitting SAT scores has drastically decreased, plummeting from 265 in 2007 to just 112 in 2023, reflecting a broader trend across many universities where standardized testing is becoming less critical in admissions processes.
SAT reading and math scores have shown fluctuations, with the 25th percentile scores generally rising over time, indicating that while fewer students are submitting scores, those who do tend to perform better on average. For instance, the 25th percentile for SAT reading has increased from 400 in 2007 to 480 in 2023. This suggests a potential shift in the applicant pool, where those opting to submit scores may be more academically prepared.
Moreover, the percentage of students submitting test scores has decreased significantly, dropping from 23% in 2007 to just 6% in 2023. This decline may correlate with the growing number of institutions adopting test-optional policies, allowing students to choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores, thus focusing more on holistic admissions criteria.
In summary, Jacksonville State University has experienced a significant decrease in the number of students submitting standardized test scores, while the performance of those who do submit appears to be improving. This trend mirrors a national shift in higher education towards more inclusive and diverse admissions practices.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 8 in 10
11,199 applicants in 2025, 77.7% admitted
8,701 admitted 2,498 not admitted Yield 20.0%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Business Administration and Management, General · Master's45 (2% international)
- Social Work · Master's35 (0% international)
- Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services · Master's33 (0% international)
- Secondary Education and Teaching · Master's32 (0% international)
- Elementary Education and Teaching · Master's31 (0% international)
- Sport and Fitness Administration/Management · Master's30 (13% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Jacksonville State University
The graduation data from Jacksonville State University reveals several noteworthy trends across different fields of study. One of the most striking aspects is the dominance of health-related programs, particularly Registered Nursing, which produced a significant number of graduates at the master's and doctorate levels. This aligns with the national trend of increasing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has heightened awareness of health-related issues.
Business programs also show a strong presence, with substantial graduation numbers at the bachelor’s level, indicating a healthy interest in business administration and management. This trend reflects the ongoing importance of business education in a rapidly evolving job market. Interestingly, while international students accounted for a minor portion of the total graduates in these fields, their presence in the bachelor’s program for Marketing signifies the global perspective that is becoming increasingly vital in the business realm.
Education programs, while producing a noteworthy number of master's graduates, particularly in Elementary and Secondary Education, appear to be facing challenges at the bachelor’s level, with several programs not yielding any graduates. This could be indicative of a broader issue in the education sector, reflecting potential obstacles in attracting new educators.
In contrast, the engineering and computer sciences disciplines produced fewer graduates overall, which could suggest a need for enhanced recruitment strategies or curricular revisions to meet the needs of prospective students. The relatively low numbers in some areas, like drama and visual arts, may also point to a market saturation or shifting interests among students.
Overall, Jacksonville State University’s graduation data highlights both the strengths and challenges faced by various academic departments, reflecting broader trends in education and labor market demands in the United States.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Wellness, General. | $33,419 | |||
| Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist. | $57,512 | |||
| Athletic Training/Trainer. | $57,512 | |||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $78,646-$112,284 | |||
| Public Health/Community Nurse/Nursing. | $78,646-$112,284 | |||
| Nursing Practice. | $78,646-$112,284 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Leadership and Administration, General. | $80,840 | |||
| Educational/Instructional Technology. | $61,828 | |||
| Special Education and Teaching, General. | $44,825-$50,443 | |||
| Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services. | $53,009 | |||
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | $43,111-$52,537 | |||
| Secondary Education and Teaching. | $43,111-$52,537 | |||
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | $43,111-$52,537 | |||
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching. | $55,680 | |||
| Reading Teacher Education. | $55,680 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $41,158-$64,627 | |||
| Accounting. | $50,475 | |||
| Business/Managerial Economics. | - | |||
| Finance, General. | $46,892 | |||
| Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | $39,886 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | $38,590-$47,596 | |||
| Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management. | $48,816-$67,330 | |||
| Criminalistics and Criminal Science. | $38,533 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $34,247 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $33,507-$46,812 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administration. | - | |||
| Social Work. | $36,303-$45,231 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Visual Communications, General. | - | |||
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | - | |||
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | - | |||
| Art/Art Studies, General. | $32,546 | |||
| Music, General. | $34,264 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician. | - | |||
| Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician. | - | |||
| Occupational Safety and Health Technology/Technician. | $72,830 | |||
| Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other. | $80,228 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies. | $36,443 | |||
| Sport and Fitness Administration/Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $34,615 | |||
| Applied Behavior Analysis. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $50,724 | |||
| Information Science/Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics, General. | - | |||
| Geography. | - | |||
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography. | - | |||
| Political Science and Government, General. | - | |||
| Sociology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. | $34,158 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication, General. | $37,527 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | $39,314 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | $42,682 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Languages and Literatures, General. | - |
Students
9,955 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 41:59 · Freshman retention 64.6%
- Continuing undergraduates 4,773
- First-year undergraduates 1,722
- Graduate students 1,292
- Transfers and others 2,168
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (8,663)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Jacksonville State University in 2023
The student demographics at Jacksonville State University in 2023 reveal a diverse and predominantly female student body. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 1,941 students, with females making up 58.7% of this group. This trend continues among the total undergraduate population, where the number of returning students stands at 4,650, with a similar female representation of 59.9%.
The statistics for undergraduate transfer students and graduate students also highlight a consistent pattern of higher female enrollment, with percentages reaching up to 64.4% among graduate students. This reflects a broader trend in higher education, where women are increasingly pursuing and completing degrees at higher rates compared to men.
Ethnic diversity is also noteworthy, particularly among the undergraduate freshmen, where the white demographic accounts for 1,041 students, suggesting that while there is a significant representation of white students, there is also a need for continued efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion among other ethnic groups.
Overall, the data underscores the importance of understanding gender and ethnic dynamics within higher education institutions. As universities strive for equity, it is crucial to foster an environment that supports all students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to succeed and thrive in their academic journeys.
Age Composition of Students at Jacksonville State University
The age distribution of students at Jacksonville State University reveals interesting insights into the demographics of the student body. A significant portion of the students, approximately 62.5% of the total undergraduate male and 69.5% of the undergraduate female populations, are under the age of 18 or fall within the 18-19 age bracket. This suggests that the university attracts a younger demographic, likely consisting of recent high school graduates.
As students progress to the 20-21 age range, the numbers remain robust, indicating that many undergraduates continue their studies beyond the first year. However, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment as students reach the 22-24 age bracket, where the percentage of students drops to around 12.2% for males and 21.8% for females. This could point to various factors such as graduation rates, transfer to other institutions, or students taking breaks in their education.
The data also highlights a growing trend of non-traditional students, particularly in the 25-29 age group, which accounts for about 7.8% of the total male and 9.4% of the total female student population. This increase aligns with national trends showing that more adults are seeking higher education later in life, a response to the evolving job market that increasingly values advanced qualifications.
Lastly, the presence of students aged 30 and above, while smaller in percentage, reflects the university's commitment to catering to diverse learning needs and backgrounds. Overall, the age composition at Jacksonville State University captures a dynamic and evolving educational environment that is responsive to both traditional and non-traditional student populations.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
278 in 2025 · 2.4% in 2016
32 in 2025 · 4.0% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Jacksonville State University
The data concerning international student enrollment at Jacksonville State University reveals notable trends over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the percentage of international undergraduate students fluctuated, peaking at 2.56% in 2010 and showing a gradual decline afterward, only to slightly recover in recent years. This indicates that while there has been some growth in the total undergraduate enrollment, the proportion of international students remains relatively low, with only 1.76% in 2023.
On the graduate side, the situation appears somewhat more promising. The percentage of international graduate students rose from a mere 1.66% in 2004 to a peak of 4.34% in 2012, showing a significant increase in the acceptance of international graduate students. However, the numbers have also fluctuated in the years following, with a notable decline during the pandemic years, reflecting a global trend where many international students faced challenges traveling or studying abroad.
The overall enrollment figures suggest that while Jacksonville State University is attracting a steady number of international students, there is still much room for growth. Given the increasing global competition among universities to attract international talent, the university might consider enhancing its recruitment strategies to improve diversity and international representation in its student body. This could also involve strengthening support services for international students to ensure they feel welcomed and integrated into the campus community. As universities worldwide adapt to the changing landscape of higher education, Jacksonville State University has the potential to increase its appeal to international students, which would enrich the academic environment and cultural diversity on campus.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$32,858
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $23,334
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $12,894
- Room and board
- $9,524
- Graduate tuition
- $17,920
Peer median tuition + room and board $31,000 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 28% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 34%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$230M
Expenses$198M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Conference USA
Conference USA: football, basketball, baseball, cross country
| NCAA Division I-FBS | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 158 | - |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | - | 42 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | - | 42 |
| Baseball | 39 | - |
| Cross Country | 19 | 17 |
| Soccer | - | 30 |
| Basketball | 17 | 12 |
| Golf | 15 | 8 |
| Softball | - | 23 |
| Tennis | 10 | 9 |
| Volleyball | - | 19 |
| Beach Volleyball | - | 19 |
| Bowling | - | 8 |
| Rifle | - | - |
| NCAA Division I-FBS | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 144 | - |
| Baseball | 46 | - |
| Soccer | - | 33 |
| Basketball | 16 | 13 |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | - | 27 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | - | 27 |
| Softball | - | 21 |
| Tennis | 12 | 8 |
| Cross Country | 13 | 7 |
| Golf | 13 | 6 |
| Volleyball | - | 18 |
| Beach Volleyball | - | 17 |
| Bowling | - | 9 |
| Rifle | - | - |
| NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 119 | - |
| Baseball | 39 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | 15 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | - | 30 |
| Soccer | - | 29 |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | - | 29 |
| Cross Country | 14 | 12 |
| Golf | 13 | 8 |
| Tennis | 12 | 9 |
| Softball | - | 20 |
| Volleyball | - | 19 |
| Beach Volleyball | - | 11 |
| Rifle | - | - |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham · 63.4 mi
U.S. News #137
-
Samford UniversityBirmingham · 64.0 mi
U.S. News #191
-
Spelman CollegeAtlanta · 77.9 mi
Liberal Arts #34
-
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta · 78.8 mi
U.S. News #29
-
Georgia State UniversityAtlanta · 79.3 mi
U.S. News #191
-
University of Alabama--HuntsvilleHuntsville · 79.9 mi
U.S. News #262
-
Emory UniversityAtlanta · 82.7 mi
U.S. News #23
-
Agnes Scott CollegeDecatur · 84.5 mi
Liberal Arts #62
-
Auburn UniversityAuburn · 86.0 mi
U.S. News #100
Data insights
Here are some notable schools surrounding Jacksonville State University:
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham - Ranked 142 in the 2024 US News, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
Samford University - With a rank of 185, Samford is a private comprehensive university known for its academic excellence and commitment to Christian values.
-
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Ranked 33, this prestigious public research university is recognized for its engineering and technology programs.
-
Emory University - A top-tier private university, Emory is ranked 24 and is known for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life.
-
Vanderbilt University - With a rank of 18, Vanderbilt is a highly esteemed private university located in Nashville, recognized for its academic rigor and research contributions.
These institutions offer diverse educational opportunities and contribute to the vibrant academic landscape in the region.
Peer median 4.7 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Trends in Campus Crime Rates at Jacksonville State University
The crime rates at Jacksonville State University have shown a significant downward trend over the past decade. In 2013, the university reported a crime rate of 9.23 incidents per 1,000 students, which has consistently decreased to 3.36 incidents per 1,000 students in 2023. This decline is commendable and suggests that the university may have implemented effective safety measures and educational programs to enhance campus security.
One notable aspect of the data is the reduction in various types of offenses. For instance, the number of gun-related arrests has seen a noticeable drop, reflecting a broader trend in society where institutions are focusing on reducing firearm-related incidents. Additionally, the decrease in drug and alcohol-related arrests indicates a shift towards promoting healthier lifestyles among students, as well as the effectiveness of substance abuse prevention programs.
Moreover, the data reflects broader societal trends towards safer college environments. Nationally, many universities are adopting stricter safety protocols, enhancing surveillance, and increasing community engagement to foster a secure atmosphere. The reduction in reported incidents can also be attributed to the increased awareness among students regarding their safety and reporting mechanisms.
In conclusion, the declining crime rates at Jacksonville State University are a positive indicator of improved campus safety and student awareness. Continuous efforts in crime prevention and community building are essential to maintain this trend and ensure a safe learning environment for all students. For more insights on crime rate calculation methods, refer to this link: 'https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447'.
Notable Alumni
All 24Notable alumni of Jacksonville State University include Tomoko Akane (Japanese judge and president of the ICC), Mike D. Rogers (U.S. representative for Alabama's 3rd district) and Danny Willett (English golfer, 2016 Masters champion).
-
Tomoko Akane 1956–
Japanese judge and president of the ICC
-
Mike D. Rogers 1958–
U.S. representative for Alabama's 3rd district
-
Danny Willett 1987–
English golfer, 2016 Masters champion
-
Ademola Adeleke 1960–
Governor of Osun State, Nigeria
-
Harlan Mathews 1927–2014
Appointed U.S. senator from Tennessee
-
Cary Guffey 1972–
Former child actor in Close Encounters of the Third Kind
-
Heather Whitestone 1973–
First deaf Miss America titleholder
-
James Elisha Folsom, Jr. 1949–
50th Governor of Alabama
-
Walt Harris 1983–
UFC heavyweight mixed martial artist
See all 24 notable alumni of Jacksonville State University →
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.