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Jackson State University

1400 John R. Lynch St, Jackson, MS 39217, USA

Jackson State University award
Jackson State University award
US ranking
position: 186
Tuition & fees per year: $9,635
Acceptance rate: 91.00%
Median alumni salary: $31,357
Avg. SAT and ACT: 960 SAT, 18 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What does Jackson State University offer in terms of athletics?

Jackson State University provides a diverse range of athletic programs designed to engage students and promote competitive sportsmanship. The university competes in NCAA Division I as a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), which features historically black colleges and universities. This affiliation highlights Jackson State's commitment to both academic and athletic excellence.

The university fields teams in multiple sports, including football, basketball, and baseball, which are particularly prominent. Football at Jackson State is a major draw, with a dedicated fan base and a history of cultivating talented athletes. Men's and women's basketball teams also compete at a high level and participate regularly in conference play.

Beyond these core sports, Jackson State supports programs in track and field, softball, golf, and tennis, thus providing a wide spectrum of opportunities for student-athletes. These programs emphasize not only athletic development but also academic achievement and community involvement.

What student groups and Associations are available at Jackson State University?

Jackson State University offers a diverse range of student organizations catering to various interests and communities. Among these groups are Men of Excellence, dedicated to fostering leadership and academic success among male students, and the W. E. B DuBois Honor Council, which likely emphasizes scholastic achievement and community involvement.

The university also hosts the Blue Ambassadors, an organization often focused on representing the school and supporting campus events. Additionally, students can join chapters of nationally recognized organizations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, an established group promoting sisterhood and service, and the Girls Coalition, which aims to empower female students and encourage their personal and academic growth.

Approximately 40% of male students and 60% of female students participate in social organizations at Jackson State University, reflecting a considerable level of student engagement in these associations.

Who studies at Jackson State University?

Jackson State University hosts a diverse student body with a striking demographic profile. The majority of its students are African American, numbering 4,382, which represents a very high concentration compared to other institutions and places the university in the top 5% nationally for this group. Other racial groups, such as Hispanic, Native American, Asian, and Pacific Islander students, are present but in significantly smaller numbers, each reflecting average to low representation levels. There are 112 White students, a relatively low figure in the context of the university's population.

The composition of enrolled students also reveals a strong in-state presence, yet surprisingly the representation of out-of-state students is notably high, ranking in the top 5% nationally for out-of-state student enrollment with 69%. In contrast, in-state student enrollment is quite low, at just 30%, placing it in the bottom 10% compared to other universities. Domestic students make up 99% of the enrollment, a relatively high proportion, while international students come from only one foreign country on average, showing more limited global diversity.

The campus population includes a substantial number of freshmen and transfer students, with 978 first-year entrants and 433 transfer students enrolled. These figures fall around the median range nationally, indicating an average level of incoming students relative to other universities.

Examining the age distribution, the undergraduate population primarily consists of traditional college-age students, with the largest groups between 18 and 21 years old. Beyond this, there is a consistent number of older undergraduates up to age 49 and beyond, highlighting a degree of age diversity among students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Graduate students tend to be older, with many between 25 and 49 years old, reflecting typical patterns of advanced study post-bachelor's degree.

How does student life look like at Jackson State University?

Student life at Jackson State University offers a variety of cultural and extracurricular opportunities. The campus supports several artistic outlets, including a campus newspaper, drama productions, radio and TV stations, as well as musical groups like a band and a chorus. These activities provide students with multiple ways to engage creatively and socially outside of the classroom.

In addition to these cultural options, the university provides important support services that contribute to student well-being. These include a health clinic, psychological counseling services, a veterans affairs office, and a women's center, all designed to address the diverse needs of the student population.

Athletics at Jackson State University is regulated under the NCAA, indicating an organized and competitive sports environment. This affiliation can be important for students interested in both participating in and supporting collegiate sports.

With a total enrollment of around 6,326 students, the university maintains a medium-sized campus community. The staff includes approximately 307 full-time and 228 part-time members, reflecting moderate resource availability for student services and educational support.

What libraries are available to students at Jackson State University?

Jackson State University features two libraries, including its main facility, the H. T. Sampson Library. The university's number of libraries ranks around the median nationally, placing it in the top half of institutions for this metric. Students benefit from both physical and digital access to library resources, supported by trained staff and established hours of operation.

The H. T. Sampson Library provides study rooms and access to shared collections, enhancing the on-campus research experience. Weekly service hours total 83, although the facility does not offer all-day access.

While the total number of books held at the university is somewhat modest, at just over 316,000 volumes, this figure is near the midpoint nationally. The library system offers a substantial digital footprint, including nearly 200,000 digital subscriptions and over 436,000 eBooks, although the eBook collection ranking falls below the median compared to other universities. Additionally, students can access around 7,900 other subscriptions and 101 databases, both at approximately average levels.

Jackson State University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

6326

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

918

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

307 full time, 228 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Jackson State University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

H.T. Sampson Library

Number of libraries on campus

2

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Jackson State University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Jackson State University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Jackson State University Location & Map