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Jackson State University vs Mississippi State University

Jackson State University is a public university in Jackson, MS, and Mississippi State University is a public university in Mississippi State, MS. Mississippi State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 78% of applicants against 93% at Jackson State University. Mississippi State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,595 a year against $23,836 at Jackson State University. About 65% of students graduate at Mississippi State University, compared with 41% at Jackson State University. Ten years after enrolling, Mississippi State University alumni earn a median of about $51,513, against $39,060 for Jackson State University.

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Jackson State University

Jackson, MS · Public

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Jackson, MS
Mississippi State, MS
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,600
18,397
Acceptance rate
93%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.1–3.6
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
820–1070
1100–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
15–20
21–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,836
$17,595
Full cost / yr
$32,415
$29,267
In-state tuition
$8,965
$10,202
Out-of-state tuition
$11,965
$27,637
Application fee
$25
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,869
$14,332
$30k - $48k
$22,516
$14,372
$48k - $75k
$26,236
$18,671
$75k - $110k
$26,388
$20,704
Over $110k
$27,576
$22,987
Outcomes
Graduation rate
41%
65%
Freshman retention
62%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$30,530
$43,487
Median earnings (10 yr)
$39,060
$51,513
Median debt at graduation
$30,470
$22,142
Student body
Pell grant recipients
72%
29%
First-generation students
32%
25%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jul 15
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Jackson State University or Mississippi State University harder to get into?
Mississippi State University is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 93% at Jackson State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Jackson State University or Mississippi State University?
Mississippi State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,595 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,836 at Jackson State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Jackson State University and Mississippi State University?
Before aid, Mississippi State University costs about $29,267 a year and Jackson State University about $32,415. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Jackson State University or Mississippi State University?
Mississippi State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,332 there, against about $22,869 at Jackson State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Jackson State University or Mississippi State University?
Mississippi State University is the larger of the two, with about 18,397 undergraduates against 4,600 at Jackson State University.
Does Jackson State University or Mississippi State University have a better graduation rate?
Mississippi State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 41% at Jackson State University.
Do graduates of Jackson State University or Mississippi State University earn more?
Mississippi State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,513 ten years after enrolling, against about $39,060 for Jackson State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Jackson State University and Mississippi State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Jackson State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Mississippi State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Jackson State University and Mississippi State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 820–1070 at Jackson State University and 1100–1350 at Mississippi State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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