Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Jackson State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Arkansas University Main Campus in Magnolia, AR with Jackson State University in Jackson, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Jackson State University is larger than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus based on total student enrollment (6,326 students vs. 4,732 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is located in Magnolia, AR (Remote Town setting); Jackson State University is in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting).
• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Jackson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 16:1; Jackson State University 14:1.

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Jackson State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus or Jackson State University? 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus than Jackson State University ($13,442 vs. $23,450).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus are 44.8% lower than at Jackson State University ($7,911 vs. $14,341).
• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is 11.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jackson State University (about $995 more per year; $9,960.00 vs. $8,965.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.1% higher at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus than at Jackson State University (about $3,725 more per year; $15,690.00 vs. $11,965.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus than at Jackson State University (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students is 37.8% larger than aid received by Jackson State University students ($11,552 vs. $8,386).

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Jackson State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus or Jackson State University? 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 Jackson State University and Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (990) is 40 points higher than at Jackson State University (950).
• Incoming Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at Jackson State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 875/1105; Jackson State University 820/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 17/24; Jackson State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus - Required; Jackson State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Aug 27, 2027; Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Jackson State University (3.1).
• Jackson State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.1%) than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. 6.6% at Jackson State University.

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Jackson State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Arkansas University Main Campus and Jackson State University? 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).

• Jackson State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus's (34%).
• Graduates from Southern Arkansas University Main Campus earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Jackson State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,900 vs. $32,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates have a $11,980 lower median loan debt than Jackson State University graduates ($17,020 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Jackson State University graduates ($175 vs. $299).
• More Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jackson State University students, three years after graduation. (44% 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.