Jackson State University
Jackson State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Jackson State University Worth It?
At a value score of 17/100, Jackson State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $39,060 — 27% below average — while paying $23,836/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.4-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 41% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 93% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $30,470 representing 78% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Jackson State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Jackson State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #106 of 114 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #3 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #4 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #5 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #6 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #106 | Jackson State University | 17 | $23,836 | $39,060 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Jackson State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Jackson State University
The highest-earning program at Jackson State University is Computer Engineering at $54,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $19,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Engineering graduate from Jackson State University earns $54,800, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $19,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $23,836/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $54,800 | $54,800 | N/A |
| Civil Engineering | $53,000 | $53,000 | $25,500 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $30,300 | $30,300 | $28,500 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | $29,000 | $29,000 | $34,750 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $28,600 | $28,600 | $33,015 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $27,400 | $27,400 | $29,605 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $27,000 | $27,000 | $26,150 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $26,600 | $26,600 | $29,750 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $25,100 | $25,100 | $32,509 |
| Social Work | $24,600 | $24,600 | $31,250 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $24,400 | $24,400 | $33,490 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $23,100 | $23,100 | $31,669 |
| Biology, General | $22,200 | $22,200 | $26,093 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $20,000 | $20,000 | $26,005 |
| Psychology, General | $19,000 | $19,000 | $29,250 |
Similar Colleges in MS
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Jackson, MS
- Student Body
- 4,600 students
- Admission Rate
- 93%
- Graduation Rate
- 41%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $23,836
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $39,060
- Median Student Debt
- $30,470