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Southwestern Athletic Conference

Jackson State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPA3.51

Acceptance Rate48.2%

Jackson State is test-optional, but a 48% acceptance rate means a strong SAT or ACT can still strengthen your case if it is above the school’s typical range. With an average entering GPA of 3.51, pair your score plan with steady grades and submit scores when they add clear academic evidence.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Jackson State University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Jackson State University is an urban public university with an undergraduate enrollment of 4,650 students. Jackson State has a freshman retention rate of 62%, reflecting the share of first-year students who return for their second year. Its 6-year graduation rate is 51%, offering a snapshot of longer-term student completion outcomes.

Location

Jackson, MS

Undergrad Enrollment4,650

Freshman Retention62%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty RatioN/A

Graduation Rate51%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How does your GPA compare at Jackson State?

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Key Jackson State University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

—

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

April 15

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Jackson State, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes. Since Jackson State does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, make sure any fall retake scores arrive before its Regular Decision deadline.

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What you'll actually pay

Jackson State, a public university in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, lists in-state tuition at $8,690 and out-of-state tuition at $11,690. About 77% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is April 15.

In-State Tuition$8,690

Out-of-State Tuition$11,690

Room and Board$11,722

Average Merit Award$5,365

Application Fee$25

Students on Aid77%

Average Aid Package$11,092

Average Debt at Grad$28,355

Jackson State’s out-of-state tuition is $11,690, while in-state tuition is $8,690, and room and board is $11,722. Aid is common, with 77% of students receiving assistance and an average aid package of $11,092. The average merit award is $5,365, which can help reduce billed costs for qualifying students. Students graduate with an average debt of $28,355.