VSU vs. Jackson State University

Comparable Facts

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

Valdosta State University is larger than Jackson State University based on total student enrollment (10,262 students vs. 6,326 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Valdosta State University is located in Valdosta, GA (Small City setting); Jackson State University is in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting).
• Valdosta State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Jackson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Valdosta State University 17:1; Jackson State University 14:1.

VSU vs. Jackson State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VSU 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 Valdosta State University than Jackson State University ($11,144 vs. $23,450).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valdosta State University are 33.5% lower than at Jackson State University ($9,530 vs. $14,341).
• Jackson State University is 46.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $2,841 more per year; $8,965.00 vs. $6,124.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.1% higher at VSU than at Jackson State University (about $5,871 more per year; $17,836.00 vs. $11,965.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valdosta State University than at Jackson State University (93% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valdosta State University students is 21.7% larger than aid received by Jackson State University students ($10,206 vs. $8,386).

VSU vs. Jackson State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VSU 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 VSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valdosta State University (1010) is 60 points higher than at Jackson State University (950).
• Incoming VSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at Jackson State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 920/1100; Jackson State University 820/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 16/22; Jackson State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VSU - Required; Jackson State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU Jun 15, 2027; Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VSU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.23) than students at Jackson State University (3.1).
• Jackson State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.1%) than VSU (72.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26% at VSU vs. 6.6% at Jackson State University.

VSU vs. Jackson State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VSU 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).

• Valdosta State University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Jackson State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Valdosta State University earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Jackson State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $32,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Valdosta State University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Jackson State University graduates ($25,000 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, VSU graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Jackson State University graduates ($258 vs. $299).
• More VSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jackson State University students, three years after graduation. (41% 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.