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Jackson State University vs University of Southern Mississippi

Jackson State University is a public university in Jackson, MS, and University of Southern Mississippi is a public university in Hattiesburg, MS. Jackson State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 93% of applicants against 99% at University of Southern Mississippi. University of Southern Mississippi is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,708 a year against $23,836 at Jackson State University. About 50% of students graduate at University of Southern Mississippi, compared with 41% at Jackson State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Southern Mississippi alumni earn a median of about $44,140, against $39,060 for Jackson State University.

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Jackson State University

Jackson, MS · Public

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Jackson, MS
Hattiesburg, MS
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
4,600
10,075
Acceptance rate
93%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.1–3.6
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
820–1070
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
15–20
20–29
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,836
$21,708
Full cost / yr
$32,415
$26,566
In-state tuition
$8,965
$9,998
Out-of-state tuition
$11,965
$11,998
Application fee
$25
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,869
$19,867
$30k - $48k
$22,516
$20,432
$48k - $75k
$26,236
$22,756
$75k - $110k
$26,388
$25,812
Over $110k
$27,576
$26,542
Outcomes
Graduation rate
41%
50%
Freshman retention
62%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$30,530
$37,710
Median earnings (10 yr)
$39,060
$44,140
Median debt at graduation
$30,470
$22,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
72%
46%
First-generation students
32%
33%
International students
2%
5%
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 University of Southern Mississippi harder to get into?
Jackson State University is harder to get into. It admits about 93% of applicants, compared with 99% at University of Southern Mississippi. 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 University of Southern Mississippi?
University of Southern Mississippi is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,708 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 University of Southern Mississippi?
Before aid, University of Southern Mississippi costs about $26,566 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 University of Southern Mississippi?
University of Southern Mississippi. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $19,867 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 University of Southern Mississippi?
University of Southern Mississippi is the larger of the two, with about 10,075 undergraduates against 4,600 at Jackson State University.
Does Jackson State University or University of Southern Mississippi have a better graduation rate?
University of Southern Mississippi has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 41% at Jackson State University.
Do graduates of Jackson State University or University of Southern Mississippi earn more?
University of Southern Mississippi alumni earn more on average: a median of about $44,140 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 University of Southern Mississippi require SAT or ACT scores?
Jackson State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Southern Mississippi considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.

Related comparisons

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