Jackson State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic vs. competitive awards and who typically qualifies
- Flagship (competitive) scholarships, including any full tuition/full ride
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: Not publicly posted (current year)
- Middle 50% ACT/SAT: Not publicly posted
- Average HS GPA: Not publicly posted
Sources: JSU Admissions & Scholarships pages. Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall (when published).
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Jackson State at a Glance
Provost Academic Scholarship — covers Tuition Only
Last verified: October 23, 2025
Jackson State’s top competitive scholarships can drive the net price close to zero for campus charges. The Presidential Academic award is a full ride, and the Provost Academic covers tuition. Most other freshman awards are competitive and have firm deadlines, so plan early if you’re aiming for the flagship tier.
Use this guide to decide where you fit in the merit landscape, then stack state/federal aid and departmental opportunities for the best total package.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? For freshman merit, ACT/SAT scores are required; JSU does superscore within the same test type (ACT-to-ACT or SAT-to-SAT only).
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? Not publicly posted for the current cycle; see Admissions for updates.
What’s the average net price? About $20,191 after grants/scholarships (varies by income). See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or nonresident waivers? Participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM) for eligible majors, allowing in-state rates for out-of-state students from SREB states when criteria are met.
Scholarships page — Presidential & Provost details and application window: https://www.jsums.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
Admissions (Freshman) — score submission guidance: https://www.jsums.edu/admissions/freshman/
Admissions Policies (PDF, updated 9/12/2025) — superscoring rules: https://www.jsums.edu/admissions/files/2025/09/ADMISSION-POLICIES-9.12.25.pdf
Academic Common Market participation (JSU catalog references): https://www.jsums.edu/graduateschool/files/2020/09/JSU-Graduate-Catalog-May-2019-Updated-Version.pdf
College Scorecard — average net price: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?175856-Jackson-State-University=
BigFuture (backup net price reference): https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/jackson-state-university/tuition-and-costs
💰 Cost of Attendance at Jackson State University (2025–2026)
| Expense | In-State (Annual) | Out-of-State (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $9,635 | $13,635 |
| Housing & Meals | $10,434 | $10,434 |
| Estimated Total (before aid) | $20,069+ | $24,069+ |
Notes: Figures reflect charges paid directly to JSU. Tuition is $4,605 per semester for in-state undergraduates; out-of-state students add a $2,000 non-resident fee per semester (total $6,605/semester). Mandatory fees (Capital Improvement $52.50, Student Activity $75, Health & Wellness $75, Printing $10) total $212.50 per semester and are included above. Housing & meals use a typical on-campus double (McAllister-Whiteside, $2,710/term) plus the Gold meal plan ($2,507/term) = $10,434/year. Other indirect expenses (books/supplies, transportation, personal, off-campus housing choices) vary by student and are not shown here because they are not paid directly to the university.
Example: The ACM removes the non-resident tuition differential of $2,000 per semester ($4,000 per year), effectively bringing non-resident tuition & mandatory fees down to the in-state level for that approved major.
Cost of Attendance FAQ
Who qualifies for the Academic Common Market?
Residents of SREB member states whose chosen major is ACM-approved at JSU and not offered at a public university in their home state.
How much can families really save?
The savings for an out-of-state student using the ACM is the full non-resident tuition differential of about $4,000 per year, as shown in the table above.
Do you have to apply?
Yes. Families apply through their state higher-ed agency and SREB’s ACM process; approvals are major-specific and time-sensitive.
University COA page (Tuition & Fees hub): https://www.jsums.edu/businessfinance/tuition-and-fees/
Tuition & Fee Sheet 2025–2026 (PDF): https://www.jsums.edu/businessfinance/files/2025/06/JSU-Tuition-Fee-Sheet-2025-2026-06.16.2025-update.pdf
Undergrad Tuition & Fees per Credit Hour 2025–2026 (PDF): https://www.jsums.edu/businessfinance/files/2025/06/UG-Tuition-Fees-per-Credit-Hour-Schedule.pdf
Meal Plan Rates 2025–2026: https://www.jsums.edu/businessfinance/files/2025/06/JSU-Tuition-Fee-Sheet-2025-2026-06.16.2025-update.pdf
Housing Rates 2025–2026: https://www.jsums.edu/businessfinance/files/2025/06/JSU-Tuition-Fee-Sheet-2025-2026-06.16.2025-update.pdf
Academic Common Market (JSU catalog/IHL policy refs): https://www.jsums.edu/registrar/files/2021/07/IHL-Policies-and-Bylaws.pdf
College Scorecard (Average net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?175856-Jackson-State-University=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | — | — | JSU does not provide guaranteed auto-merit awards. Freshmen must apply for competitive scholarships instead. |
Automatic Merit FAQ
Does JSU offer guaranteed scholarships based on GPA/ACT alone?
No. Unlike some universities, JSU requires all freshmen to apply through its scholarship portal for consideration.
Do test scores matter for scholarship eligibility?
Yes. Freshman scholarships require official ACT or SAT scores. JSU does not superscore for scholarship review — only the highest single sitting is considered.
Is there a separate application?
Yes. The JSU Scholarship Portal (AcademicWorks) is required. Priority deadlines are usually Feb 1 for test scores and Feb 15 for the application.
Can automatic aid stack with state programs?
While JSU has no auto-merit, state aid (HELP, MTAG, MESG) can still be stacked with institutional scholarships, up to the cost of attendance.
Jackson State Scholarship Portal (AcademicWorks) — https://jsums.academicworks.com/
JSU Scholarships Main Page — https://www.jsums.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
JSU First-Time Freshman Merit Scholarships — https://www.jsums.edu/financialaid/freshman-scholarships/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
At Jackson State University, institutional freshman awards are competitive (not automatic). Students must meet the published minimums, apply through the scholarship portal, and awards are limited by funding.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Academic Scholarship | Full tuition, required fees, room & board | Incoming freshman with College Prep Curriculum; GPA ≥ 3.5 and ACT ≥ 32 (or SAT equivalent); single test date | Yes — JSU Scholarship Portal | Yes (maintain required GPA & full-time enrollment) | Top academic applicants who complete all steps within the window; funding is limited and awards are selective. | Jan 15 |
| Provost Academic Scholarship | Tuition only | Incoming freshman with College Prep Curriculum; GPA ≥ 3.25 and ACT ≥ 25 (or SAT equivalent); single test date | Yes — JSU Scholarship Portal | Yes (maintain required GPA & full-time enrollment) | Strong academic applicants (ACT mid-20s+) who apply on time and meet all requirements. | Jan 15 |
Note: As of the current cycle, JSU publicly lists the two university-level freshman academic scholarships above. If additional freshman awards (e.g., Heritage or Medallion) are reintroduced or posted by JSU, we’ll update this table. Foundation/development scholarships offered through the portal may be available through July 31.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Is admission enough to get these awards?
No. These are competitive — meeting the minimums does not guarantee an award, and funds are limited.
Does Jackson State superscore ACT/SAT?
No. JSU does not superscore. Only the best single test date is considered for scholarship review.
What are the key dates?
Application window typically opens in early November. All requirements must be met by January 15 for university-wide merit. Foundation/development scholarships: July 31.
Can these stack with Mississippi state aid?
Yes, in many cases state programs (HELP, MTAG, MESG) can combine with institutional scholarships up to the Cost of Attendance.
JSU Scholarship Portal — https://jsums.academicworks.com/
JSU Financial Aid – Scholarships — https://www.jsums.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
JSU First-Time Freshman Merit Scholarships — https://www.jsums.edu/financialaid/freshman-scholarships/
JSU Undergraduate Catalog — https://jsums-public.courseleaf.com/
🎖️ Honors College
The W.E.B. Du Bois – Maria Luisa Alvarez Harvey Honors College at Jackson State University gives top-performing students access to a rigorous academic community with small seminars, mentoring, and research opportunities. Admission is selective, with its own application and scholarship opportunities beyond JSU’s general merit awards.
3.75+ GPA in high school, ACT 30+ (or SAT 1360+), rigorous coursework, and leadership or service experience.
- Priority registration and smaller seminar-style classes
- Specialized honors housing community
- Faculty mentorship and undergraduate research opportunities
- Funding for service projects and professional development
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JSU Honors Scholarship | Valued over $90,000 across four years; covers full tuition, housing, meals, books, and general university fee | Incoming freshmen with GPA ≥ 3.75 and ACT ≥ 30 (or SAT ≥ 1360); separate Honors application required | Yes — essay, transcript, recommendation, résumé, interview | Yes (maintain 3.25 GPA, “B” or better in Honors courses, on-campus housing, 7 service hours/semester) | Top academic and leadership-driven students who complete the Honors application | Feb 1 |
| Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship | Full tuition, room, board, books, non-resident fees (for transfers) | Transfer with AA, 3.5+ GPA, 60+ credits, active PTK | Yes — Honors/PTK application | Yes (maintain 3.5 GPA, 30+ hours/yr) | PTK members with a strong transfer record and early application | Feb 1 |
- Other Honors Funding: Honors students may also qualify for competitive campus research stipends, conference grants, and other professional development funds by application or nomination.
Honors College FAQ
Is Honors admission automatic if I meet GPA/ACT cutoffs?
No. A separate application is required, and admission is competitive.
Does Honors add time to my degree?
No. Honors coursework fits within normal degree requirements, so students graduate on time.
Are Honors-specific scholarships available?
Yes. The JSU Honors Scholarship is the premier award for incoming freshmen, and transfer students can compete for PTK scholarships.
When should I apply?
The Honors College scholarship deadline is February 1 of senior year. Apply early for full consideration.
JSU Honors College — https://www.jsums.edu/honorscollege/
JSU Honors Scholarships & Deadlines — https://www.jsums.edu/honorscollege/scholarships/
JSU Honors College PTK Transfer Awards — https://www.jsums.edu/honorscollege/transfer-students/
JSU Financial Aid – Scholarships — https://www.jsums.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
⭐ College Specialty
Jackson State University is one of Mississippi’s public HBCUs with a long history of producing leaders in science, education, and the arts. Families looking for strong career pipelines will find JSU especially respected in STEM fields and public service training, with programs that stand out both statewide and nationally.
- Public Health: JSU’s College of Health Sciences houses Mississippi’s only Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program, CEPH-accredited and well regarded for training professionals in community and population health.
- Business: The College of Business is AACSB-accredited (a distinction earned by less than 6% of business schools worldwide), giving its graduates a competitive credential nationally.
- STEM & Cybersecurity: JSU has invested in cybersecurity and data science initiatives, including federally funded projects through the National Science Foundation and Department of Homeland Security.
- Music & Performing Arts: Home of the world-famous “Sonic Boom of the South” marching band, which has performed at NFL halftime shows, the Grammy Awards, and was ranked among the top HBCU bands in the U.S.
📎 Official Links
- Jackson State University Homepage
- JSU W.E.B. Du Bois – Maria Luisa Alvarez Harvey Honors College
- Scholarships & Financial Aid at JSU