Jacksonville 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
Sorting through college costs can feel overwhelming, especially for first-generation families. Jacksonville State keeps things a little simpler: clear tuition rates, automatic merit scholarships, and a few competitive awards that can cover most—sometimes all—of the bill. Use this guide alongside our Alabama state aid page and the main College Scholarships Hub to see the full picture.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Jacksonville State University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (12–18 credits/semester, flat rate) | $10,590 | $21,180 |
| Housing & Meals (standard JSU allowance) | $9,650 | $9,650 |
| Books, Travel, Personal (allowances) | $7,220 | $7,220 |
| Total (before aid) | $27,460 | $38,050 |
Notes: Tuition is based on JSU’s published block rate for 12–18 credit hours per semester (2025–2026). Mandatory fees (e.g., general university, activity, technology) vary by credit load and are not rolled into this table. Housing, meals, and other allowances use JSU’s standard COA estimates.
• Out-of-state students who receive a JSU merit scholarship or institutional grant pay the in-state tuition rate — saving about $10,590 per year at the current block rate.
• JSU participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM), which can grant in-state tuition when your home state approves your declared major through ACM.
• Example: Out-of-state tuition of $21,180 drops to $10,590 with a merit-based waiver or approved ACM major.
Who qualifies for these waivers?
Out-of-state students who either (1) earn a JSU merit award/grant or (2) are approved for an ACM-eligible major by their home state.
How much can families save?
Roughly $10,000–$11,000 per year compared to the published out-of-state rate, depending on fees and choices.
Do you need a separate application?
The merit-triggered waiver is automatic once the scholarship posts to your account. ACM requires a separate approval process with your state coordinator after you’re admitted to the specific major.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gamecock Achievement | $6,000–$7,000/yr | HS GPA 3.75–4.0+ | No | Yes (3.0 GPA; 24 credits/yr) | Mostly A/A- grades; test optional accepted |
| Gamecock Success | $4,000–$5,000/yr | HS GPA 3.0–3.74 | No | Yes | Solid B+/A- students |
| Gamecock Opportunity | $1,000–$3,000/yr | HS GPA 2.0–2.99 | No | Yes | C+/B- students with upward trend |
| Gamecock Prestige | $5,000–$10,500/yr | ACT 31+ or SAT 1390+; GPA 2.0+ | No | Yes | Top testers with strong GPAs (3.5+ usually maxes) |
| Gamecock Excellence | $4,000–$10,500/yr | ACT 29–30 or SAT 1330–1380; GPA 2.0+ | No | Yes | High testers (29–30 ACT) with 3.25+ GPAs |
| Gamecock Tradition | $3,000–$9,000/yr | ACT 26–28 or SAT 1230–1320; GPA 2.0+ | No | Yes | Mid-20s ACT testers; GPA 3.25+ gets higher end |
| Gamecock Advantage | $2,000/yr | ACT 15–25 or SAT 830–1220; GPA 2.0–2.49 | No | Yes | Test-eligible students who just meet admission cutoffs |
| International Freshman Merit | $5,000/yr | First-time international undergrads | No | Yes | Admitted international students in good standing |
| Gamecock Grant | $1,000/yr | For students not qualifying for higher merit awards | No | Yes | Students with admission but below GPA/test cutoffs |
Notes: GPA bands marked are based on published JSU merit tables. Out-of-state recipients of any merit scholarship automatically pay the in-state tuition rate. Awards do not stack with Leadership or Honors competitive scholarships. Renewable for up to 8 semesters with a minimum 24 JSU credits/year and GPA as specified.
How do you apply for these?
No separate application — students are automatically considered when they apply for admission by the priority deadlines.
Does JSU superscore the ACT or SAT?
Yes. JSU will consider your best section scores across test dates for scholarship eligibility.
Can these stack with other awards?
Automatic merit cannot be combined with Leadership or the Honors competitive scholarship, but it can stack with other competitive and talent-based awards. Out-of-state students keep the in-state waiver as long as any merit is held.
What about test optional applicants?
Students admitted test optional are considered based on GPA. Submitting strong scores can only raise (not lower) the scholarship amount.
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive)
These are Jacksonville State’s university-level, competitive (“flagship”) scholarships — limited in number, with extra steps like essays, résumés, or interviews. They’re distinct from automatic merit and separate from Honors College or departmental awards, but they help families searching for competitive scholarships understand JSU’s top institutional options.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JSU Leadership Scholarship | ~$7,500/yr (typical recent cohort) | Admitted freshmen with strong leadership/service; competitive application with résumé, essay; interview possible | Yes (JSU scholarship portal; priority late fall–winter) | Yes (maintain involvement; min institutional GPA; full-time load) | Students with sustained leadership (officers, captains, community org leads) and solid academics |
Notes: Flagship/competitive scholarships do not stack with JSU’s automatic merit awards. Exact award values and deadlines can vary by year; apply early and complete the separate application steps.
How are flagship (competitive) scholarships different from automatic merit?
They have extra steps (application, essay, résumé, sometimes interviews) and limited slots. Automatic merit is awarded from your GPA/test profile without a separate application.
Can flagship awards stack with automatic merit?
No — at JSU, flagship/competitive institutional awards like Leadership do not stack with automatic merit. Your package will include the higher of the two.
Are test scores required for flagship scholarships?
Some competitive programs may consider test scores if submitted, but the emphasis is on leadership impact, involvement, and overall profile. Submit scores if they strengthen your case.
Any timing tips?
Apply for admission early, open your JSU scholarship portal promptly, and target priority deadlines (often late fall to early spring). Strong, specific examples of leadership and service help.
⭐ College Specialty
Jacksonville State may not be the biggest university in Alabama, but it has carved out a strong reputation in certain fields that matter to families. For students looking at career pipelines into emergency response, nursing, or forensic investigation, JSU stands out with programs that are recognized across the state — and in some cases, across the country.
Emergency Management — One of the first undergraduate emergency management degrees in the U.S. and consistently cited among the nation’s leaders in the field, with strong ties to government and private-sector employers.
- Nursing (BSN, RN-BSN): NCLEX pass rates above state averages, with simulation labs and strong hospital partnerships across Alabama.
- Forensic Investigation: Specialized tracks in Criminal Investigation and Forensic Lab, preparing students for law enforcement and lab-based careers.
- Education: A historic strength of JSU, preparing a large share of teachers across Alabama; the College of Education is among the state’s largest producers of certified teachers.
🎖️ Honors College
Jacksonville State’s Honors College gives high-achieving students a smaller academic community inside a mid-sized public university. It’s open to both invited and self-applying students, with priority deadlines in the spring for fall admission. The program emphasizes close mentorship, small seminars, and opportunities to dig deeper into your field.
High school GPA around 3.5+, ACT in the mid-20s or higher (≈25+), strong coursework rigor, and a record of leadership or service. Current JSU students can also apply after their first year if they meet GPA requirements.
- Priority registration each semester
- Access to small, discussion-based seminars
- Dedicated advising and career planning support
- Opportunities for study abroad, service learning, and research
- Special recognition at graduation
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JSU Honors Scholarship | Full tuition, housing, meal plan, and books for 4 years | ACT ≥30 or SAT ≥1360, HS GPA ≥3.75 | Yes — essay, résumé, recommendation, and interview | Yes (must remain in Honors and maintain GPA) | Usually fewer than 10–15 students per class; top academic achievers with strong leadership, service, and standout applications |
Is admission automatic?
No — students must apply separately for both the Honors College and the JSU Honors Scholarship. Admission to the College does not guarantee the scholarship.
Does the Honors College add time to your degree?
No. Honors coursework integrates with your core and major requirements. Students complete about 30 Honors hours spread across four years.
Can the Honors Scholarship stack with other awards?
No — it replaces automatic merit awards. Students who win this scholarship will not also keep JSU’s automatic merit amounts.
When should families apply?
Priority deadline for the Honors College is May 1. The Honors Scholarship application typically closes earlier (around Feb 1), so apply for admission and gather materials early.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Navigating Jacksonville State University’s scholarships doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Between automatic merit that rewards solid grades, flagship awards like the Leadership Scholarship, and hidden gems such as International House or ROTC, most families can find a realistic path to bringing the cost down. If your student is aiming high, the Honors College offers an extra layer of opportunity — with one of the most generous full-ride packages in the state. Pair this page with our Alabama state aid guide and you’ll have a clear, parent-friendly roadmap to what JSU really costs.
✅ Last updated: September 26, 2025