
Jacksonville, ALpublicjsu.edu
Admit rate has ranged 55%–78% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Jacksonville State University (JSU) is a public university in Alabama with a reputation for its friendly, close-knit campus and strong programs in nursing, business, and manufacturing. With an acceptance rate hovering around 78%, JSU offers a balance of accessibility and academic rigor, supported by a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. The university’s small-town setting fosters a tight community, while its affordability and solid post-graduation earnings make it a practical choice for many students.
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
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Outcomes & value
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Campus & location
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Jacksonville State University is somewhat selective, with an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. that has fluctuated between 66% and 82% in recent years, settling around 78% as of 2023. The university admits students either unconditionally (for those with a 3.0+ GPA) or conditionally (for those with a GPA below 3.0 but an ACT score of 18+). The middle 50% of admitted students typically have SAT scores between 1000-1290 or ACT scores around 18-24. While not highly competitive, JSU’s admissions process still ensures a baseline academic standard.
JSU offers over 100 academic programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, with a particular emphasis on . The , and , fostering a more personalized learning environment. The include , , and . The university is also known for its , making it a practical choice for career-focused students.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
JSU is often described as having the friendliest campus in the South, with a close-knit, welcoming community. The university encourages involvement in clubs and organizations, which play a big role in campus culture. Located in a quiet, safe small town, JSU offers a wholesome student life where students can focus on academics while still enjoying social activities. The diverse student body adds to the richness of campus life, and the university’s location provides a balance between a small-town feel and access to broader opportunities.
JSU’s graduation rates are modest, with a four-year rate of 36% and a six-year rate of 51-56%, placing it in the lower 40th percentile nationally. However, post-graduation outcomes are solid, with median earnings of $40,158 one year after graduation and $51,000 after five years. The university has set targets for first-year retention (75%) and second-year retention (65%), indicating a focus on student success beyond just admissions.
JSU is affordable compared to national averages, with an average net price of $14,511 per year after aid. 100% of first-year students receive need-based aid, with an average award of $6,418. The university also offers merit scholarships, including $6,000-$8,000 per year for high-achieving students (GPA 3.75+). For families with limited resources, JSU’s financial aid packages help make education accessible.
JSU distinguishes itself through its strong regional reputation in nursing, business, and manufacturing programs, combined with a small-town, community-focused campus vibe. While not elite in selectivity or graduation rates, it offers solid value, with affordable tuition, strong job placement, and a supportive, friendly environment. For students seeking a practical, career-oriented education in a tight-knit setting, JSU delivers.