Why Choose Jacksonville State University?
Outstanding Value and Affordability
Jacksonville State University has partnered with GradGuard to offer a tuition insurance plan as added protection for students and families. This plan may reimburse your non-refundable tuition costs after an unexpected withdrawal from school for a covered reason.
2025 Tuition Rates:
- In-state students: Approximately $10,800 per year
- Out-of-state students: $20,880/year Out-of-state tuition before financial aid
- Military rate: $250/credit hour
Dual Enrolment Breakthrough: Thanks to a reduced tuition rate that was approved by the Board of Trustees, all in-state students and out-of-state online students participating in Jax State's Dual Enrolment programme beginning in Fall 2025 will now pay just $33 per credit hour, or $99 for a standard 3-hour course.
Academic Excellence and Recognition
In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Jacksonville State University is ranked No. #55 in Regional Universities South. It's also ranked No. #25 in Top Public Schools.
Additional notable rankings include:
- #341 of 1,497 in Colleges with the Best Student Life in America
- #7 of 24 in Most Diverse Colleges in Alabama
- #7 of 21 in Best Colleges for Business in Alabama
Record-Breaking Enrolment
The university recorded its highest all-time enrolment in Fall 2023 with an overall headcount of 9,672 students. This growth reflects JSU's increasing popularity and the value students find in their educational experience.
Academic Programmes: 101+ Paths to Success
Comprehensive Programme Offerings
Jacksonville State University offers an impressive array of academic opportunities across six colleges:
Popular Programme Categories:
- Business Programmes: Ranked amongst Alabama's top 7 for business education
- STEM Fields: Strong programmes in computer science, engineering, and health sciences
- Education: Teacher preparation programmes with excellent job placement rates
- Liberal Arts: English, history, communications, and fine arts programmes
- Health Sciences: Nursing, respiratory therapy, and emergency management
Faculty Excellence
Boasting a student to faculty ratio of 18:1, our faculty have the opportunity to work closely with the more than 7,500 undergraduate students in the classroom.
This intimate learning environment ensures:
- Personalised attention from professors
- Meaningful mentorship opportunities
- Small class sizes that encourage discussion
- Research opportunities for undergraduates
Career-Focused Education
Through Jacksonville State's six academic colleges, the university offers career-centred programmes where students can prepare for the workforce.
Post-Graduation Success:
- Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $40,158
- Strong alumni network throughout Alabama and the Southeast
- Career services support throughout your academic journey
Admissions Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Application Requirements
Step 1: Basic Eligibility To apply for admission to Jacksonville State University, students must first complete an electronic application at www.jsu.edu/apply.
Academic Standards:
- The average GPA at Jacksonville State University is 3.47
- Aim for a 990 SAT or a 17 ACT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission
Application Fees:
- JSU charges a $35 application fee for domestic first-time applicants
- JSU charges a $50 application fee for international applicants
Step 2: Required Documents
For First-Time Students:
- Official high school transcripts
- ACT or SAT scores
- Completed application
- Application fee payment
For Transfer Students: Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 as calculated by JSU. 24 transferable credit hours (calculated by Jax State Registrar). Eligible to re-enter all institutions previously attended.
Step 3: Important Deadlines
2025 Application Timeline:
- August 15, 2024 - August 1, 2025 Fall 2025 Preferred Admissions Application Period
- September 1, 2024 - February 1, 2025 2025-2026 Competitive Scholarship Application Period
Admission Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Jacksonville State University is 76.3%. For every 100 applicants, 76 are admitted. This means the school is lightly selective.
What This Means for You:
- Strong chance of acceptance with solid academic performance
- Holistic review process considers more than just test scores
- The college has rolling admissions, which means applications are accepted any time throughout the year
Early Admission Opportunities
To accommodate high school students with exceptional ability, Jacksonville State University considers them on an individual basis for early admission. Students who wish to enter college after completing the 11th grade in high school must present evidence that admission to college would be more beneficial than continuation in high school.
Early Admission Requirements:
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- ACT composite score of 26
- Individual review by Undergraduate Admissions Appeals Committee
Campus Life: The Complete Experience
Housing Options
On-campus living provides opportunities for involvement, activities, and knowledge. We believe that learning does not end in the classroom but is enhanced by interacting with a diverse group of residents, participating in leadership opportunities, and engaging in life-learning activities.
Traditional Residence Halls:
- Freshman-focused communities
- Community bathrooms and shared spaces
- Resident advisors and programming
- 66% First-Years in College Housing
Apartment-Style Living: Jacksonville State gives you many options beyond your traditional residence halls. We have seven apartment complexes throughout our campus.
- The Edge: Premium apartment complex with modern amenities
- Campus Inn: Popular upperclassman housing near athletic facilities
- Penn House: Western campus location near sports complexes
Housing Costs: Campus housing costs an average of $9,524 a year.
Student Organisations and Activities
Extensive Involvement Opportunities:
- 120+ clubs and organisations
- Jacksonville State University has the Student Government Association. In fact, more students participate in the Student Government Association than any other on-campus activity
Popular Organisations Include:
- Archaeology Club, Campus Fellowship Clubs, Computer Science Club and Biology Club
- Greek life organisations
- Academic honour societies
- Service and volunteer groups
Greek Life
Over ten per cent of the undergraduate student body is said to be involved in Greek life. There are approximately 17 social and 22 other Greek-letter organisations.
44% of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.
Athletics: Gamecock Pride
NCAA Division I Competition: Jacksonville State's athletics teams are nicknamed the Gamecocks. The school fields varsity teams in 14 sports: baseball, men's and women's basketball, cross country, football, men's and women's golf, rifle, women's soccer, softball, men's and women's tennis, women's track and field, and volleyball.
Athletic Facilities:
- The football team plays in the 22,500-seat AmFirst Stadium
- The men's and women's basketball and volleyball teams play in Pete Mathews Coliseum
The Marching Southerners
Jacksonville State University offers the largest marching band in the nation, with international recognition.
Notable Achievements:
- On January 1, 2012, the university's marching band and dance team, The Southerners and the Marching Ballerinas, led the New Year's Day Parade in London, England
- The Southerners were the 2021 recipients of the Sudler Trophy, the highest award for collegiate marching bands
"Reviewers highlight the smaller class sizes that foster closer connections with professors, which is a key aspect of the academic experience. While many enjoy the diverse extracurricular activities and community events that help integrate students, some express concerns about limited nightlife options and the need for improvements in housing and campus facilities."
Campus Environment and Location
Beautiful Setting
The JSU main campus has a 459-acre (1.9 km²) campus with 59 buildings in the Appalachian foothills of northeast Alabama.
Geographic Advantages:
- With a campus nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, Jax State's vast opportunities may surprise you
- Convenient location between Birmingham, AL and Atlanta, GA
- Small-town charm with big-city accessibility
Campus Facilities
State-of-the-Art Resources:
- Modern academic buildings and laboratories
- University housing and residence, on-campus dining, student centres, Greek housing, athletic facilities, student health and wellness facilities, administration offices, study centres, an international housing programme, and an on-campus bookstore
- University Recreation Centre
- Multiple libraries and study spaces
Safety and Security
Comprehensive Safety Measures:
- Jacksonville State University offers late-night transportation or safety escorts for students
- Dorms can only be accessed with secure key cards so that students can feel confident that they are safe in on-campus housing
- Jacksonville State University has night security officer in female residence halls
Student Support Services
Academic Support
Comprehensive Student Services:
- Academic advising and career counselling
- Tutoring and learning assistance
- Library and research support
- Academic support services, like tutoring and advising, receive positive remarks
International Student Support
For students who wish to learn more about other cultures, the Jax State International House Programme offers a unique cultural exchange opportunity for international and American students to live together as roommates.
Veterans and Military Support
Whilst not a "service academy", Jacksonville State University does offer support for veterans and those seeking a career in the armed forces. Undergraduates have access to one or more ROTC programmes and there is an active student veterans group on campus.
Family Support Services
For students with young families, Jacksonville State University does offer some day care. Programmes like this are often in very high demand, so be sure to enquire as soon as you can.
Conclusion
Jacksonville State University offers a unique combination of academic excellence, affordability, and genuine community that creates lifelong connections and career success. Whether you're a recent high school graduate, transfer student, or returning adult learner, JSU provides the support, resources, and opportunities needed to achieve your educational and career goals.
The university's commitment to being "The Friendliest Campus in the South" isn't just a slogan---it's a philosophy that shapes every aspect of the student experience, from classroom interactions to campus activities and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Jacksonville State University Accredited?
A: Yes, Jacksonville State University is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This ensures that JSU has carefully met the requirements of its rigorous accreditation process and that the degree provided will be conferred on the user with JSU's favourable acceptance by employers and other educational institutions across the country.
Q: What is the graduation rate?
A: JSU has a four-year graduation rate of 31% and a six-year graduation rate of roughly 45%. In line with the school's commitment to enhancing graduation rates, JSU offers a wide range of robust academic support services such as tutoring centres, academic advising, and comprehensive student success programs to help students achieve their graduation goals.
Q: Does JSU accept the Common Application?
A: No, Jacksonville State University does not accept the Common Application. Instead, prospective students are directed to apply through the university's online application portal on the JSU webpage, which is designed for ease of use.
Q: Can I visit campus before applying?
A: Yes! JSU encourages prospective students to visit the campus with their families prior to making a college decision. As part of the school spirit, prospective students are provided with comprehensive campus tours regularly throughout the year which gives them the chance to experience the life of a Gamecock.
Q: What makes JSU special?
A: For decades Jacksonville State University has held the title "The Friendliest Campus in the South," which speaks to the more intimate community feeling that comes from the average class size of 20 students. Students benefit from JSU's southern hospitality, and the Appalachian foothills add to the university's scenic beauty, with more than 100 student organizations fuelling an active campus culture.
