Jacksonville State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the University Scholarships hub • See Alabama state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic Gamecock Merit scholarships by GPA/test score
- Competitive full-tuition Elite Scholars awards
- Honors College benefits and departmental funding options
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~75%
- Middle 50% ACT: 19–25
- Middle 50% SAT: 970–1180
- Average GPA (HS): 3.5
Source: Jacksonville State University Common Data Set and 2024–25 Admissions Profile. Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Jacksonville State at a Glance
Intro FAQs
Does JSU offer automatic scholarships?
Yes. All admitted freshmen are automatically reviewed for Gamecock Merit Scholarships, ranging from $2,000–$12,000 per year depending on GPA and test scores.
Are there full-tuition scholarships?
Yes. The Elite Scholars Program covers full in-state tuition and standard housing for four years. It is highly competitive and requires a separate application, essay, and interview.
Does the Honors College offer scholarships?
Not automatically. The JSU Honors College provides academic and leadership enrichment but does not include a named or guaranteed “Honors Scholarship.” Honors students can apply for departmental and donor-funded awards.
Can out-of-state students pay in-state tuition?
Yes. Students from neighboring states qualify automatically for the Border-State Waiver, paying in-state rates.
Does JSU superscore ACT/SAT results?
Yes. Jacksonville State uses superscored ACT and SAT results for both admission and scholarship review.
When should students apply?
Apply by February 1 for automatic merit consideration and submit the FAFSA by March 1 for need-based and state aid eligibility.
JSU Scholarships Overview (Gamecock Merit, Elite Scholars) – https://www.jsu.edu/scholarships/index.html
JSU Elite Scholars Program – https://www.jsu.edu/scholarships/elite-scholars.html
JSU Out-of-State Tuition Waiver – https://www.jsu.edu/financialaid/out-of-state-tuition-waiver.html
JSU Admissions (Testing & Superscore Policy) – https://www.jsu.edu/admissions/index.html
JSU Common Data Set 2023–24 (Admissions Profile) – https://www.jsu.edu/institutional-research/docs/common-data-set/CDS_2023-2024.pdf
College Scorecard (Average Net Price $12,643 – Tier 2 U.S. Dept of Education) – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?102388-Jacksonville-State-University
💰 Cost of Attendance at Jacksonville State University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits, full year) | $13,224 | $23,814 |
| Housing & Meals (standard JSU allowance) | $9,932 | $9,932 |
| Total (before aid) | $23,156 | $33,746 |
Note: This table shows only direct university charges (tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meal plan). Other estimated costs in JSU’s full COA— books & supplies ($970), transportation ($1,630), and personal/miscellaneous ($2,222)—are not included here because they are not paid directly to the university and vary by student.
Out-of-state students who receive a JSU merit scholarship or institutional grant pay the in-state tuition rate for as long as award requirements are maintained.
Example: Out-of-state tuition of $21,180 drops to the in-state level ($10,590 per year) when the waiver applies.
Who qualifies for the waiver?
Out-of-state students who earn a JSU merit scholarship or institutional grant.
How much can families save?
Roughly the difference between out-of-state and in-state tuition — about $10,590 per year at current block rates.
Is a separate application required?
No separate waiver form for merit-triggered waivers; it applies once your scholarship or grant posts to your account.
University COA page (2025–26) – https://www.jsu.edu/bursar/fees/
Tuition block rate details (2025–26) – https://www.jsu.edu/bursar/fees/
Merit-triggered out-of-state tuition waiver – https://www.jsu.edu/admissions/out-of-state/index.html
First-time freshman merit page (waiver language) – https://www.jsu.edu/finaid/scholarships/new-student-merit-based-scholarships.html
College Scorecard (Average Net Price $14,850) – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?101480-Jacksonville-State-University=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Jacksonville State University reviews all admitted first-time freshmen and qualifying transfers for automatic merit awards. Scholarships are awarded based on the highest cumulative high school (or transfer) GPA JSU has on file and, where submitted, on test scores. Out-of-state students who receive any JSU merit automatically pay the in-state tuition rate as long as the scholarship is held.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gamecock Achievement | $6,000/yr (3.75–3.99 GPA); $8,000/yr (4.0+ GPA) | High school GPA 3.75–4.00+ | No | Yes—3.0 JSU GPA and 24 credits per year, up to 8 semesters | A/A- students (test-optional or submitters) | May 1 (priority) |
| Gamecock Success | $4,000/yr (3.00–3.49 GPA); $5,000/yr (3.5–3.74 GPA) | High school GPA 3.00–3.74 | No | Yes—3.0 JSU GPA and 24 credits/yr, up to 8 semesters | B+/A- admits, GPA either test-optional or submitters | May 1 |
| Gamecock Opportunity | $1,000/yr (2.00–2.49); $2,000/yr (2.50–2.74); $3,000/yr (2.75–2.99) | High school GPA 2.00–2.99 | No | Yes—2.5 JSU GPA, 24 credits/yr, up to 8 semesters | C+/B- range with upward trend or improving transcript | May 1 |
| Gamecock Prestige | $5,000/yr (2.0–2.99 GPA); $10,500/yr (3.0–4.0+ GPA) | ACT 31+ (or SAT 1390+) and GPA 2.0+; highest values to 3.0+ GPA students | No | Yes—3.0 GPA and 24 credits/year, up to 8 semesters | Top testers (ACT 31+ or SAT 1390+) with solid to excellent GPA | May 1 |
| Gamecock Excellence | $4,000/yr (2.0–2.99 GPA); $9,000/yr (3.0–3.24 GPA); $10,000/yr (3.25–3.49 GPA); $10,500/yr (3.50+ GPA) | ACT 29–30 (or SAT 1330–1380) and GPA 2.0+; top values require 3.0+ GPA | No | Yes—3.0 GPA and 24 credits/year, up to 8 semesters | 29–30 ACT testers with strong grades | May 1 |
| Gamecock Tradition | $3,000/yr (2.0–2.99 GPA); $8,000/yr (3.0–3.24 GPA); $9,000/yr (3.25–3.49 GPA); $10,000/yr (3.5+ GPA) | ACT 26–28 (or SAT 1230–1320) and GPA 2.0+; larger awards for higher GPA | No | Yes—3.0 GPA and 24 credits/year, up to 8 semesters | Mid-high ACT testers with solid GPAs | May 1 |
| Gamecock Advantage | $2,000/yr | ACT 15–25 (or SAT 830–1220) and GPA 2.0–2.49 | No | Yes—2.5 GPA and 24 credits/yr, up to 8 semesters | Threshold admits close to minimum | May 1 |
| International Freshman Merit | $5,000/yr | First-time international undergraduates; evaluated on academic record; test-optional accepted | No | Yes—good standing | International admits with strong academics | May 1 |
| Gamecock Grant | $1,000/yr | For students not qualifying for higher awards | No | Yes—good standing | Admissible students below higher award bands | May 1 |
Notes: GPA/ACT/SAT bands reflect published JSU merit tables. Merit awards are not stackable with JSU Honors or Leadership scholarships, but may combine with other talent or donor awards. Out-of-state merit recipients always receive in-state tuition. All awards renewable for up to 8 semesters if GPA/credit minimums are met.
How do you apply for these?
No separate application—students are automatically reviewed as part of the admission process up to the May 1 deadline.
Does JSU superscore?
Yes—JSU will superscore both ACT and SAT for both admission and scholarship tiers.
Can these stack with other awards?
Automatic merit is not stackable with JSU’s Honors or Leadership scholarships, but may be stacked with some talent/donor or outside funds up to the cost of attendance.
What about test-optional?
Test-optional admits are reviewed for merit on GPA alone. Providing test scores may increase, but never decrease, the scholarship level.
https://www.jsu.edu/finaid/scholarships/automatic.html
https://www.jsu.edu/finaid/scholarships/
https://catalog.jsu.edu/
https://www.jsu.edu/finaid/scholarships/automatic-outofstate.html
https://www.jsu.edu/finaid/scholarships/first-time.html
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive)
These are Jacksonville State’s most selective university-level scholarships: limited in number, competitive, and requiring a separate application (with essays, résumé, and often interviews). These awards are not stackable with automatic merit, Honors, or Leadership awards, but they represent the university’s top institutional funding for students outside department and Honors/discipline-specific programs.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JSU Leadership Scholarship | $7,500/yr (4 yrs max) | First-time freshmen with ACT 20–28 (or SAT 1030–1320), GPA 3.0+; strong résumé of leadership/service; essay and separate JAX App required; interview possible | Yes—JAX App; Feb 1 deadline | Yes—must maintain 2.0 GPA, full-time status, and active involvement in campus orgs | High school leaders, club officers, captains, or major service contributors with good academics and a standout application | Feb 1 (priority deadline) |
| Presidential Transfer Leadership | Full tuition (up to 1 year, 4 semesters) | Outstanding ACCS community college transfers; 45+ transferable credits, 3.5 transfer GPA, classified as first-time transfer; faculty/staff nomination required | Yes—contact ACCS/JSU transfer advisor; May 1 acceptance | Yes—maintain full-time status and good academic standing for up to 4 semesters | Top Alabama community college transfer student nominated by faculty | May 1 (acceptance deadline) |
Notes: These scholarships require a competitive application and are not stackable with automatic merit, Honors College, or other institutional leadership/flagship programs. Deadlines and amounts are updated annually.
How do flagship (competitive) scholarships differ?
They require a separate application, essays, and resume, and winners are chosen based on overall leadership/service excellence (not just grades or test scores).
Can flagship awards stack with automatic merit?
No—they replace, not add to, automatic merit or Honors scholarships.
When is the application due?
Feb 1 (freshmen); May 1 (transfer acceptances). Open the JAX App as soon as you apply for general admission.
https://www.jsu.edu/finaid/scholarships/competitive.html
https://www.jsu.edu/finaid/scholarships/
https://catalog.jsu.edu/
https://www.jsu.edu/finaid/scholarships/transfer.html
https://www.jsu.edu/finaid/scholarships/first-time.html
🎖️ Honors College
Jacksonville State’s Honors College is a selective, close-knit academic community with small seminars, service, faculty mentorship, and research opportunities. Students can enter by invitation or self-nomination, with a priority application date of May 1 for new freshmen. Honors students pursue enriched coursework and enjoy special graduation recognition and academic perks.
High school GPA of 3.5+, ACT composite 25 or higher (mid-20s or above). Academic rigor, strong writing, and service/leadership. Current JSU and transfer students may apply after earning required GPA.
- First priority for honors course and seminar registration
- Individualized advising and career support
- Small, discussion-based classes (24 required hours of Honors credit)
- Special honors housing options and study away/service opportunities
- National conference funding, graduation medallion, and unique faculty mentoring
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JSU Honors Scholarship | Full tuition, housing, meal plan, and books (four years; over $90,000 value) | Incoming freshmen with ACT 30+ or SAT 1360+ & GPA 3.75+; strong essay, résumé, service/leadership, and teacher/counselor recommendation | Yes – Honors College app, essay, and interview | Yes (maintain min 3.25 GPA; 24–30 Honors credits and program participation) | Top 8–10 new freshmen annually; exceptionally high academic and service profile, strong application/interview | Feb 1 (Honors Scholarship); May 1 (Honors College) |
Is Honors admission and the flagship scholarship automatic?
No—both require a separate application, essay(s), résumé, recommendation, and interview.
How does eligibility work for current JSU students and transfers?
Current JSU students may apply after one full-time term (3.25+ GPA). Transfers are invited with 12+ credits and a 3.5 transfer GPA.
Can the Honors Scholarship stack with other awards?
No—the Honors Scholarship replaces automatic merit scholarships. Recipients receive the larger, full-value award.
When should you apply?
Apply for general Honors College admission by May 1; the scholarship priority deadline is Feb 1. Early application is highly recommended for competitive funding.
https://www.jsu.edu/honors/college/
https://www.jsu.edu/honors/college/scholarship.html
https://www.jsu.edu/finaid/scholarships/first-time.html
https://catalog.jsu.edu/
https://www.jsu.edu/news/2025/honors-scholarship.html
⭐ 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.