Jackson State University is a public historically Black research university located in Jackson, Mississippi, in the United States. Founded in 1877, Jackson State ranks #15 among historically Black colleges as per US News 2026 and holds a #363 position among National Universities.
The university offers more than 90 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes taught in English across 38 academic departments. Indian applicants target both Fall and Spring intakes, with strong graduate cohorts in computer science, civil engineering and MBA tracks. JSU supports international enrolments through its dedicated JSU Global office alongside peer universities in USA.
- Ranking: #15 among HBCUs as per US News 2026
- Acceptance rate: 72% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- PG tuition: USD 9,210 per year (INR 8.8 lakh)
- Enrolment: over 7,000 students
- Average MBA starting salary: USD 55,900 (INR 53.6 lakh)
Indian applicants pay out-of-state tuition rates, though graduate assistantships and departmental waivers can offset a share of costs. Study permits follow the standard F-1 visa route with 12 months of Optional Practical Training and STEM extensions where eligible. For wider cost context, see the study in USA guidance from Collegedunia.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 95.9 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Closing Soon (Spring 2027 intake). Graduate applications for Spring 2027 close on 1 October 2026 with classes starting January 2027. Fall 2027 applications remain open with a 1 March 2027 graduate deadline. Verify department dates at the JSU Global admissions page.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Jackson State University 2027
- Jackson State University Admission 2027
- Jackson State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Jackson State University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Jackson State University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Jackson State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Jackson State University Scholarships 2027
- Jackson State University Rankings 2027
- Jackson State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Jackson State University vs Peer Universities
- Jackson State University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Jackson State University 2027
Jackson State University charges a uniform out-of-state graduate rate of USD 9,210 per year for most master’s programmes, with a per-year MBA tuition band that scales higher. Bachelor’s programmes follow a four-year structure and master’s programmes run for two years. Actual tuition for international out-of-state students may range from USD 9,210 to USD 14,616 per year across levels; confirm on the official fee schedule.
| Programme | Total fee (USD) | Total fee (INR lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | USD 18,420 | 17.7 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Computer Science | USD 18,420 | 17.7 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Civil Engineering | USD 18,420 | 17.7 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Computer Engineering | USD 18,420 | 17.7 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Electrical Engineering | USD 18,420 | 17.7 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Environmental Engineering | USD 18,420 | 17.7 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Coastal Engineering | USD 18,420 | 17.7 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Biology | USD 18,420 | 17.7 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Mathematics | USD 18,420 | 17.7 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Elementary Education | USD 18,420 | 17.7 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
Undergraduate international students follow the four-year sequence with per-year tuition mirroring the graduate out-of-state band. The Class 12 threshold below reflects the India equivalent of JSU’s ACT 16 or SAT 790 minimum.
| Programme | Total fee (USD) | Total fee (INR lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBA | USD 36,840 | 35.3 lakh | Class 12 with 60% (recommended) |
| BS Psychology | USD 36,840 | 35.3 lakh | Class 12 with 60% (recommended) |
| BS Healthcare Administration | USD 36,840 | 35.3 lakh | Class 12 with 60% (recommended) |
| BA Criminal Justice | USD 36,840 | 35.3 lakh | Class 12 with 60% (recommended) |
| BA English | USD 36,840 | 35.3 lakh | Class 12 with 60% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian graduate applicants typically pick MS Computer Science, MS Civil Engineering and the MBA at JSU because these tracks feed into strong US OPT and STEM extension pathways.
Read More: Jackson State University Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Jackson State University Admission 2027
Jackson State University runs Fall, Spring and Summer intakes, with Fall serving as the primary graduate cycle for Indian applicants. Full checklist detail sits inside the Admissions silo.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 graduate application deadline | 1 October 2026 | Closing soon; departmental slots fill fast |
| Fall 2027 graduate application deadline | 1 March 2027 | Primary intake for MS and MBA applicants |
| Summer 2027 graduate application deadline | 15 March 2027 | Available for a limited set of programmes |
| WES course-by-course evaluation | Start 8 weeks before deadline | Required for every international transcript |
| Fall 2027 programme start | August 2027 | Confirm orientation dates on your I-20 |
As per JSU Division of Graduate Studies, undergraduate international deadlines are not fixed to a single date, so applicants should target the graduate deadlines as a working benchmark. The application fee is USD 25 (INR 2,398) for graduate applicants and is not waivable.
Planning note: Book your WES evaluation and IELTS or TOEFL test at least three months before the Fall deadline because transcript verification can extend timelines during peak Indian application months.
Read More: Jackson State University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Jackson State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Jackson State University sets modest academic thresholds for Indian applicants but treats English proficiency and financial documentation as non-negotiable.
Graduate applicants (PG):
- Recognised bachelor’s degree with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended); JSU asks for a US-equivalent 2.5 GPA per WES conversion
- TOEFL iBT 69 or IELTS 6.5 verbatim from the official graduate school page
- WES course-by-course transcript evaluation covering every institution attended
- Certified Declaration of Financial Support proving one year of costs plus a USD 25 application fee
Undergraduate applicants (UG):
- Class 12 with 60% (recommended) mapping to ACT 16 or SAT 790 verbatim from JSU admissions
- TOEFL iBT 69, TOEFL PBT 525 or IELTS 6.0 as per JSU undergraduate requirements
- Immunisation records for measles, mumps and rubella plus a tuberculosis chest x-ray
Key insight: IELTS and TOEFL waivers are granted only to graduates of US high schools, English-speaking countries or transfer students with 30 or more US credit hours, so Indian applicants must submit an active score.
Jackson State University Acceptance Rate 2027
Jackson State University holds an admissions profile of 72% (estimated) as no formal cycle-specific acceptance rate is published by the university. The figure is derived from public admissions data aggregators and should be read as a directional benchmark rather than a cycle guarantee.
Selectivity varies by department, with STEM master’s programmes screening more tightly than humanities cohorts. Applicants with strong WES evaluations and above-band TOEFL scores tend to receive faster decisions.
Reality check: A 72% (estimated) rate is not a green light for weak files; JSU still filters on English proficiency, financial proof and department fit before issuing the I-20.
Read More: Jackson State University Acceptance Rate
Jackson State University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for Indian students at Jackson State University sits at roughly USD 21,000 to USD 27,000 (INR 20.1 to 25.9 lakh) once tuition and Jackson living costs are combined.
Jackson State University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Out-of-state tuition applies to every Indian applicant, with an additional USD 100 (INR 9,590) international student fee levied per semester on F-1 visa holders.
| Level | Annual tuition (USD) | Annual tuition (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (out-of-state) | USD 9,210 to USD 14,616 | 8.8 to 14.0 lakh |
| Graduate (out-of-state) | USD 9,210 to USD 14,616 | 8.8 to 14.0 lakh |
| MBA (verify at official schedule) | USD 9,210 to USD 14,616 | 8.8 to 14.0 lakh |
[Source: JSU Division of Business and Finance]
Jackson State University Cost of Living in Jackson for Indian Students
Jackson offers one of the more affordable metropolitan cost bases across US public research campuses, with on-campus housing capped by JSU published rates.
| Head | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (on-campus dorm) | USD 675 | INR 64,733 |
| Food and meal plan | USD 435 | INR 41,717 |
| Transportation | USD 100 (estimated) | INR 9,590 |
| Books and supplies | USD 100 (estimated) | INR 9,590 |
| Personal and miscellaneous | USD 150 (estimated) | INR 14,385 |
| Total monthly | USD 1,460 | INR 1.4 lakh |
| Total annual | USD 17,520 | INR 16.8 lakh |
[Source: Jackson State University published housing and dining rates for the on-campus dorm and meal plan; other heads are city-average estimates]
Insider note: Off-campus one-bedroom rentals near JSU sit at USD 700 to USD 950 (INR 67,130 to 91,105) per month, so many Indian graduate students share apartments with two roommates to cut monthly outgo.
Read More: Cost of Living Guide for Study in USA
Jackson State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The Jackson State University main campus spans 245 acres in urban Jackson, Mississippi, with a mix of modern STEM buildings and traditional HBCU architecture.
- Location: Central Jackson, 5 miles from Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport with local bus links
- Housing: On-campus dorm at USD 6,750 (INR 6.5 lakh) per year; guaranteed housing is not extended to every international entrant
- Facilities: The e-Center research complex, JSU Downtown Center and a new STEM building anchor graduate research
- Indian community: Small but active graduate cohort supported by Indian Students Association events during Diwali and Republic Day
What Indian students say: Jackson feels quieter than coastal metros, which suits focused study but limits weekend variety. Grocery runs to Indian stores need a shared car, and the on-campus dorm route saves the deposit hassle of an off-campus lease.
Jackson State University Scholarships 2027
Jackson State University publishes a set of merit and diversity awards through JSU Global, though none are ring-fenced for Indian nationals.
| Scholarship | Type | Award value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Time Freshman Scholarship | Merit | Verify at official page | New international undergraduates with a strong Class 12 record | Aligned to Fall entry cycle |
| Graduate Diversity Scholarship | Diversity | Verify at official page | International graduate students underrepresented in the discipline | Fall entry cycle |
| Development Scholarship | Need and merit | Verify at official page | Continuing students with demonstrated academic progress | Rolling |
| Civil Engineering Scholarship | Departmental | Verify at official page | Enrolled MS Civil Engineering students | Contact department |
| Alumni Scholarship | Alumni-funded | Verify at official page | Enrolled JSU students meeting fund-specific criteria | Rolling |
[Source: JSU Global Scholarships]
Planning note: JSU rarely funds Indian students through full-tuition merit awards, so Indian applicants should combine partial scholarships with graduate assistantships offered by departments after admission.
Read More: Jackson State University Scholarships Guide
Jackson State University Rankings 2027
Jackson State University sits inside the US News Best Colleges 2026 lists but is not currently featured in the QS or THE world tables. The strongest ranking signal is the #15 HBCU placement, its highest in nine years as per US News.
| Ranking body | Latest edition | Previous edition | Two editions back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Best Colleges (National Universities) | 2026: #363 | 2025: NA | 2024: #395 |
| US News Best HBCU | 2026: #15 | 2025: #17 (estimated) | 2024: NA |
| US News Top Performers on Social Mobility | 2026: #65 | 2025: NA | 2024: NA |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | #352 of 357 in USA (2026) | NA | NA |
| QS World University Rankings | Not ranked in 2027 | NA | NA |
| THE World University Rankings | Not ranked in 2026 | NA | NA |
[Source: US News, QS, THE, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
Key insight: The US News National ranking still qualifies JSU for standard US student visa processing and for most Indian public sector education loans, even though QS and THE do not list the university.
Read More: Jackson State University Rankings Analysis
Jackson State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Jackson State University reports moderate placement outcomes with graduate salary levels that track the wider Mississippi and Southeast US labour market.
- Median MBA starting salary: USD 55,900 (INR 53.6 lakh) as per JSU reported outcomes
- Recruiter base: Regional employers across Southeast US public sector, healthcare, engineering and civic bodies; centralised placement data not disclosed
- Alumni signal: JSU alumni serve in leadership roles across US federal agencies, HBCU faculties and Southeast engineering firms
- Career support: Career Services Center runs employer meets, resume clinics and OPT documentation help for international graduates
- Post-study work: Standard F-1 route with 12 months OPT and a 24-month STEM extension for eligible MS engineering and computer science tracks
Insider note: Indian STEM graduates from JSU rely heavily on OPT and STEM extension windows to secure roles because on-campus recruiting from big-name US tech firms is thin. Networking through Southeast HBCU alumni chapters helps.
Jackson State University vs Peer Universities
Jackson State University is best compared with other affordable US public HBCUs and regional universities where Indian graduate students weigh cost against outcomes.
| University | US News National Rank 2026 | Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 | Avg annual PG fee (USD / INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson State University | #363 | #352 of 357 in USA | USD 9,210 / 8.8 lakh | Fourth-largest HBCU with STEM master’s tracks |
| Alcorn State University | NA | NA | USD 8,900 (estimated) / 8.5 lakh | Small HBCU with agriculture and nursing focus |
| Mississippi State University | #219 | NA | USD 25,300 (estimated) / 24.3 lakh | Higher-ranked flagship with broader research funding |
| Alabama A&M University | NA | NA | USD 12,700 (estimated) / 12.2 lakh | HBCU with engineering and physics doctoral tracks |
| Tennessee State University | #331 | NA | USD 12,800 (estimated) / 12.3 lakh | Urban HBCU with agriculture research pedigree |
Jackson State University stands out for its combination of a sub-INR-10-lakh graduate tuition anchor and the highest HBCU placement in Mississippi. Indian applicants seeking a higher-ranked flagship should weigh Mississippi State against JSU on the tuition delta.
Jackson State University suits Indian students who want an affordable US master’s with an HBCU cultural experience and a clear path to OPT. Total investment of INR 33 to 42 lakh across a two-year MS lines up against an MBA salary of USD 55,900 (INR 53.6 lakh), giving a payback horizon of under two working years for STEM cohorts. The F-1 to STEM OPT track adds a 24-month study in USA extension for eligible programmes.
JSU is not the right pick for Indian applicants targeting top-tier US brand names on the QS or THE world tables. Applicants who need a globally ranked STEM master’s should look at Mississippi State or larger public flagships instead.
Jackson State University FAQs
Ques. How does OPT work for Jackson State University international graduates?
Ans. JSU international graduates on F-1 visas are eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training in a field related to their degree. STEM-designated MS programmes such as Computer Science, Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering qualify for the additional 24-month STEM extension, taking total post-study work rights to 36 months. Students must apply through the JSU Global office at least 90 days before graduation.
Ques. What is the application fee for JSU international applicants?
Ans. JSU charges a graduate application fee of USD 25 (INR 2,398) paid by credit or debit card at submission. Undergraduate international applicants follow a separate fee sheet published on the JSU Admissions page. The fee is not routinely waivable, though departmental partners and select recruitment fairs occasionally offer temporary waiver codes to Indian applicants. Always confirm current fee status before you file the online application.
Ques. Which Indian banks recognise Jackson State University for education loans?
Ans. Most Indian public sector and private banks fund JSU admits because the university appears in US News National Universities and is recognised by the US Department of Education. SBI, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Credila, Avanse and Auxilo have all sanctioned loans for JSU international students in prior cycles. Applicants should carry the I-20 and financial declaration to speed loan sanction timelines.
Ques. Can Jackson State University sponsor dependent F-2 visas for Indian students?
Ans. JSU Global issues Form I-20 for dependents on the F-2 visa route once the primary F-1 student proves sufficient additional financial support. Indian applicants must add roughly USD 6,000 (INR 5.7 lakh) per dependent per year in the Certified Declaration of Financial Support. F-2 spouses cannot work in the US but F-2 children can attend K-12 schools without a separate visa. Dependent processing happens after the primary I-20 is finalised.
Ques. How long does WES evaluation take for Jackson State University admission?
Ans. WES course-by-course evaluations for Indian transcripts typically take 7 to 20 business days after all documents reach WES. JSU requires the completed WES report submitted directly to the Division of Graduate Studies before it releases an admission decision. Indian applicants should initiate WES processing at least 8 weeks before the JSU deadline to cover Indian university document delays and courier lead times.
Ques. Does JSU accept Duolingo or PTE for international applicants?
Ans. JSU Global lists TOEFL iBT 69 and IELTS 6.5 as the confirmed English proficiency routes for graduate applicants. Duolingo English Test and PTE Academic are not published as accepted tests on the current JSU Global admissions page, so Indian applicants should default to TOEFL or IELTS. Applicants holding PTE or Duolingo scores should email gradtranscript@jsums.edu to request a case-by-case review before applying.
Ques. Are graduate assistantships available at Jackson State University for Indian students?
Ans. Yes, JSU departments offer teaching and research assistantships to admitted graduate students, including Indian applicants, on a competitive post-admission basis. Assistantships typically carry a tuition waiver plus a monthly stipend, with STEM departments allocating a larger share than humanities. Indian applicants should email the target department chair after admission with a CV and research statement to signal assistantship interest early in the cycle.
Ques. Does Jackson State University offer conditional admission for Indian applicants?
Ans. JSU offers conditional admission to Indian applicants who meet academic thresholds but fall short on the TOEFL or IELTS minimums. Conditional admits enrol in the JSU English as a Second Language Institute pathway and progress to full graduate status after clearing the required English benchmark. The conditional route adds one to two semesters and additional tuition, so Indian applicants should factor the extra cost into their financial planning.
Jackson State University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
MBA 2 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 9,210 /Yr | 25 | TOEFL iBT : 69, IELTS : 6.5 |
MS Civil Engineering 2 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 9,210 /Yr | 25 | TOEFL iBT : 69, IELTS : 6.5 |
BBA Marketing 4 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (15th Jan 2027) | USD 9,210 /Yr | - | TOEFL iBT : 69 |
Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (15th Jan 2027) | USD 9,210 /Yr | - | TOEFL iBT : 69 | |
MS Computer Science 2 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 9,210 /Yr | 25 | TOEFL iBT : 69, IELTS : 6.5 |
MS Electrical Engineering 2 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 9,210 /Yr | 25 | TOEFL iBT : 69, IELTS : 6.5 |
MS Coastal Engineering 2 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 9,210 /Yr | 25 | TOEFL iBT : 69, IELTS : 6.5 |
MS Rehabilitation Counseling 2 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 9,210 /Yr | 25 | TOEFL iBT : 69, IELTS : 6.5 |
BA Art Studio 4 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (15th Jan 2027) | USD 9,210 /Yr | - | TOEFL iBT : 69 |
BA History 4 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (15th Jan 2027) | USD 9,210 /Yr | - | TOEFL iBT : 69 |
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Important Alerts
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration [MBA] Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake | Closing in 18 days |
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Jackson State University comparison
| University Name | Jackson State University | Texas Southern University |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Ranking |
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| Subject Strength |
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| Programs |
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| Acceptance Rate | 91.0 % | 93.0 % |
| Exam Score | ||
| Cost to Study |
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| Collegedunia Score | 4.2 Out of 10 | - Out of 10 |
| - | Read Full Comparison |
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Overall 814 out of 824 in Global Ranking
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Jackson State University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Novus Biological Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyAssociate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Washington DC Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
View All 21 Scholarships
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Jackson State University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.jsums.edu/apply/
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Jackson State University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7134 | 4572 | 2562 | 94 |
Comments
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Please let us know how much the cost of attendance for international students is.
The cost of attendance for international students at Jackson State University (JSU) can vary depending on the program you are interested in. However, you can explore the JSU courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.