Skip to content

Jackson State University vs William Carey University

Jackson State University is a public university in Jackson, MS. William Carey University is a private university in Hattiesburg, MS. William Carey University admits about 60% of applicants and Jackson State University about 93%, making William Carey University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,258 a year at William Carey University after aid, and about $23,836 at Jackson State University. About 51% of students graduate at William Carey University, compared with 41% at Jackson State University. Ten years after enrolling, William Carey University alumni earn a median of about $43,087, against $39,060 for Jackson State University.

See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.

Start the free quiz

Jackson State University

Jackson, MS · Public

William Carey University

Hattiesburg, MS · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Jackson, MS
Hattiesburg, MS
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
4,600
2,201
Acceptance rate
93%
60%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.1–3.6
3.46–3.96
SAT (middle 50%)
820–1070
1040–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
15–20
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,836
$14,258
Full cost / yr
$32,415
$29,651
In-state tuition
$8,965
$15,480
Out-of-state tuition
$11,965
$15,480
Application fee
$25
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,869
$12,224
$30k - $48k
$22,516
$12,411
$48k - $75k
$26,236
$15,320
$75k - $110k
$26,388
$18,436
Over $110k
$27,576
$19,701
Outcomes
Graduation rate
41%
51%
Freshman retention
62%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$30,530
$37,639
Median earnings (10 yr)
$39,060
$43,087
Median debt at graduation
$30,470
$20,832
Student body
Pell grant recipients
72%
27%
First-generation students
32%
36%
International students
2%
6%
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 William Carey University harder to get into?
William Carey University is harder to get into. It admits about 60% 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 William Carey University?
William Carey University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,258 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 William Carey University?
Before aid, William Carey University costs about $29,651 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 William Carey University?
William Carey University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,224 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 William Carey University?
Jackson State University is the larger of the two, with about 4,600 undergraduates against 2,201 at William Carey University.
Does Jackson State University or William Carey University have a better graduation rate?
William Carey University has the higher graduation rate, at about 51% against 41% at Jackson State University.
Do graduates of Jackson State University or William Carey University earn more?
William Carey University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $43,087 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 William Carey University require SAT or ACT scores?
Jackson State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. William Carey University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Jackson State University and William Carey University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 820–1070 at Jackson State University and 1040–1290 at William Carey University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school