Jackson State University Admission Requirements

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  • 4 Year
  • Jackson, MS
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#5 Best Public Universities in Mississippi

Jackson State University Admission Overview

Jackson State University admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year Jackson State University admitted 93.1% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.1 GPA (B) and SAT 820-1070 / ACT 15-20. Jackson State University is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Jackson State University Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

93.1%

Admission Standards

Extremely Easy

Applicant Competition

Very Low

Very Low
Low
Average
High
Very High
Extreme

Admission difficulty for Jackson State University

Acceptance Rate

The Jackson State University acceptance rate is 93.1%. Last year, 14,426 of 15,487 applicants were admitted. That is the 13th lowest acceptance rate in Mississippi.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Jackson State University and can you get accepted?

Jackson State University is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.

Jackson State University typically attracts "B" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.1. 7% of those admitted chose to enroll.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Jackson State University GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

3.1

Typical High School Grades

B

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.1

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at Jackson State University typically have around a 3.1 GPA (B) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have about average high school grades. Jackson State University is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.

The school ranks #12 in Mississippi for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.1 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.

High school GPA ranges for enrolled Jackson State University freshmen
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness
4.0 4.0% Good
3.75 to 3.99 7.0% Good
3.50 to 3.74 16.0% Avg +
3.25 to 3.49 15.0% Avg +
3.00 to 3.24 20.0% Avg -
2.50 to 2.99 27.0% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 10.0% Reach
1.00 to 1.99 1.0% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

What do these figures mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Jackson State University SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

820-1070

Freshmen who sent SAT

10%

25th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 430
  • Math 390
  • Composite 820
SAT 25th percentile scores for Jackson State University

75th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 550
  • Math 520
  • Composite 1070
SAT 75th percentile scores for Jackson State University

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at Jackson State University typically score around a 950 SAT (middle 50% 820–1070) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 31st percentile nationally. Jackson State University ranks #10 in the state of Mississippi for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 820 to 1070

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

SAT policy

Jackson State University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.

View other colleges which accept students in the 950 SAT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.

SAT ranges vs last year's enrolled testers at Jackson State University
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
1070+ Above 75th >96%
950 to 1070 Avg + 93%-96%
820 to 950 Avg - 87%-93%
Below 820 Below mid-50 <87%

What do these figures mean?

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Jackson State University ACT Scores

ACT scores among enrolled freshmen

ACT Range

15-20

Freshmen reporting ACT

29%

25th Percentile Scores

  • English 13
  • Math 15
  • Composite 15
ACT 25th percentile scores for Jackson State University

75th Percentile Scores

  • English 21
  • Math 18
  • Composite 20
ACT 75th percentile scores for Jackson State University

Average ACT

Incoming testers at Jackson State University typically have around a 17 ACT (mid-50 15–20) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 31st percentile of ACT takers nationwide. Jackson State University places #13 among colleges in Mississippi for highest average ACT composite.

ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 15 to 20

1 9 18 27 36

ACT policy

You may apply to Jackson State University without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.

See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 17.0 ACT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.

ACT bands compared with last year's enrolled testers at Jackson State University
ACT Score (36 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
20+ Above 75th >97%
17 to 20 Avg + 93%-97%
15 to 17 Avg - 89%-93%
Below 15 Below mid-50 <89%

How to read these figures

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Estimate How You Compare

See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.

Open the Jackson State University chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.

Jackson State University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 10,784 4,703 15,487
Accepted 10,101 4,325 14,426
Acceptance Rate 94% 92% 93%
Enrolled 569 386 955
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 6% 9% 7%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Jackson State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Jackson State University application requirements
Requirement Used for Admission
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Required to be considered for admission
Recommendations Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Fall 2027 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Jul 15, 2027

Days left to Apply

318

Applicants have 318 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Jul 15, 2027.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Jackson State University is $25.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at Jackson State University
Credit Type Accepted
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences No

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

Jackson State University is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 93.1% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.1 GPA (about an B average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (820-1070); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Other Colleges to Apply To

Students applying to Jackson State University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=175856.

GPA calculator: Jackson State University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026