Jackson State University vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Jackson State University in Jackson, MS with Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Jackson State University is larger than VSU based on total student enrollment (6,326 students vs. 5,605 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Jackson State University is located in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting); Virginia State University is in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Jackson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Jackson State University 14:1; Virginia State University 13:1.

Jackson State University vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Jackson State University or VSU? 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 Virginia State University than Jackson State University ($17,840 vs. $23,450).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia State University are 6.9% lower than at Jackson State University ($13,355 vs. $14,341).
• Virginia State University is 12% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jackson State University (about $1,078 more per year; $10,043.00 vs. $8,965.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89.3% higher at VSU than at Jackson State University (about $10,685 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $11,965.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia State University than at Jackson State University (92% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia State University students is 48.4% larger than aid received by Jackson State University students ($12,447 vs. $8,386).

Jackson State University vs. VSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Jackson State University or VSU? 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 VSU and Jackson State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia State University (960) is 10 points higher than at Jackson State University (950).
• Incoming Jackson State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 17) as students at VSU (17).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jackson State University 820/1070; Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jackson State University 15/20; Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Jackson State University - Test optional; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027; VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jackson State University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.1) than students at VSU (2.85).
• Jackson State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.1%) than VSU (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6.6% at Jackson State University vs. 14.3% at VSU.

Jackson State University vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Jackson State University and VSU? 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).

• The graduation rate at Jackson State University is the same as at Virginia State University (40% vs. 40%).
• Graduates from Virginia State University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than Jackson State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $32,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Jackson State University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($29,000 vs. $29,500).
• Among borrowers, Jackson State University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($299 vs. $305).
• More Jackson State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (36% vs. 28%)

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.