Jackson State University vs. University of Southern Mississippi

Comparable Facts

Compare Jackson State University in Jackson, MS with University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Southern Mississippi is larger than Jackson State University based on total student enrollment (13,170 students vs. 6,326 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Jackson State University is located in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting); University of Southern Mississippi is in Hattiesburg, MS (Small City setting).
• Jackson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Southern Mississippi is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Jackson State University 14:1; University of Southern Mississippi 18:1.

Jackson State University vs. University of Southern Mississippi Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Jackson State University or University of Southern Mississippi? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Southern Mississippi than Jackson State University ($15,095 vs. $23,450).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Southern Mississippi are 16.9% lower than at Jackson State University ($11,920 vs. $14,341).
• University of Southern Mississippi is 11.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jackson State University (about $1,033 more per year; $9,998.00 vs. $8,965.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.3% higher at University of Southern Mississippi than at Jackson State University (about $33 more per year; $11,998.00 vs. $11,965.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Southern Mississippi than at Jackson State University (95% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Southern Mississippi students is 30% larger than aid received by Jackson State University students ($10,900 vs. $8,386).

Jackson State University vs. University of Southern Mississippi Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Jackson State University or University of Southern Mississippi? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Southern Mississippi and Jackson State University.

• Incoming University of Southern Mississippi students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 17 at Jackson State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jackson State University 820/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jackson State University 15/20; University of Southern Mississippi 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Jackson State University - Test optional; University of Southern Mississippi - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Southern Mississippi students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Jackson State University (3.1).
• University of Southern Mississippi has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Jackson State University (93.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6.6% at Jackson State University vs. 25% at University of Southern Mississippi.

Jackson State University vs. University of Southern Mississippi Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Jackson State University and University of Southern Mississippi? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Southern Mississippi's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Jackson State University's (40%).
• Graduates from University of Southern Mississippi earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Jackson State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $32,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Southern Mississippi graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Jackson State University graduates ($25,000 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Southern Mississippi graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Jackson State University graduates ($258 vs. $299).
• More University of Southern Mississippi graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jackson State University students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 36%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.