Jackson State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
For families exploring college in Mississippi, Jackson State University (JSU) is one of the state’s public HBCUs with strong traditions and growing programs in health, science, and the arts. This guide breaks down what scholarships and aid options are really available—whether you’re looking at in-state costs, Mississippi’s state grant programs, or competitive awards. If you’re a Mississippi family, don’t forget to also check our Mississippi state aid guide for more funding help.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Jackson State University (2025-2026)
| Category | In-State (Annual) | Out-of-State (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (12–18 credits) | $10,590 | $21,180 |
| Mandatory Fees (est.) | $1,500+ | $1,500+ |
| Housing (avg. double) | $5,420 | $5,420 |
| Meal Plan (Gold All-Access) | $5,014 | $5,014 |
| Estimated Total (before aid) | $22,524+ | $33,114+ |
**Notes:** The figures above are estimates based on the 2025–26 fee schedule. Annual tuition for full-time students is $5,295 per semester for in-state and $10,590 per semester for out-of-state. Mandatory fees, such as the General University Fee ($750/term), vary by student and are not included in the tuition line item. Housing and meal plan costs are based on popular options.
Example: The ACM removes the out-of-state tuition differential, which is $5,295 per semester ($10,590 per year), effectively bringing non-resident costs 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 $10,590 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.
✅ 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.
🏆 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.
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. JSU indicates all requirements must be met by February 15; follow the portal instructions closely.
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.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 by Feb 1 |
- Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: For transfer students who are active PTK members with an Associate of Arts degree, 3.5+ GPA, and 60+ transfer credits. Covers full tuition, room, board, books, and non-resident fees.
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.
📎 Official Links
- Jackson State University Homepage
- JSU W.E.B. Du Bois – Maria Luisa Alvarez Harvey Honors College
- Scholarships & Financial Aid at JSU
💭 Final Thoughts
Jackson State University blends the history of a proud HBCU with strong academic programs and meaningful scholarship support. From state-funded grants that make tuition affordable for Mississippi families, to competitive academic and Honors College awards for high achievers, JSU gives students multiple paths to reduce costs while joining a vibrant campus community. For parents, the key takeaway is this: meeting deadlines and applying through the right portals (state aid, JSU’s Scholarship Portal, and Honors College) can make the difference between paying the sticker price and unlocking thousands in savings.
✅ Last updated: September 18, 2025