Jackson State University

The JSU Difference

Jackson State University® (JSU), located in Jackson, Mississippi, is an environment that inspires scholars to grow, learn, and reach beyond the ordinary. This is a “home away from home” where every student can find their place – academically, socially and culturally.

One of the nation’s top historically black colleges and universities, Jackson State provides a culture of self-discovery and shared experiences where students develop a strong sense of self in a challenging, yet nurturing environment that empowers them for personal and professional success.

Student Life

Many programs and services are provided to assist students as they transition into a new academic setting and to support their success inside and outside the classroom. Students are offered a holistic-learning environment through high school and community college programs, visiting student scholars’ programs, academic and social activities, internship/co-op and study abroad programs.

Extracurricular Activities: JSU offers opportunities to get involved through 60+ groups which include student government, honor societies, community service, student publications, Greek-letter organizations, NCAA-sanctioned athletic programs and intramural sports.

A Proud History

Founded in 1877, Jackson State University (JSU) is a public institution with an enrollment of over 7,000 students. As one of the nation’s top HBCUs, * the University produces technologically advanced, diverse, ethical, global leaders who think critically, address societal problems and compete effectively.

Jackson State University has a distinguished history, rich in the tradition of educating young men and women for leadership, having undergone seven name changes as it grew and developed. Founded in Natchez, Mississippi, in 1877, as Natchez Seminary by the American Baptist Home Mission Society, the school was established for the moral, religious and intellectual improvement of Christian leaders of the colored people of Mississippi and the neighboring states.

In November 1882, the school was moved to Jackson; in March 1899, the curriculum was

expanded, and the name was changed to Jackson College. The state assumed support

of the college in 1940, assigning Jackson College the mission of training teachers. Subsequently, between 1953 and 1956, the curriculum was expanded to include a graduate program and bachelor’s programs in the arts and sciences; the name was then changed to Jackson State College in 1956. Further expansion of the curriculum and a notable building program preceded the elevation of Jackson State College to university status on March 15, 1974. In 1979, Jackson State was officially designated the Urban University of the State of Mississippi.

Presently, Jackson State University, a public, coeducational institution, is supported by legislative appropriations supplemented by student fees and federal and private grants. As a Carnegie-designated higher research institution, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation and world through comprehensive economic development, healthcare, technological and educational initiatives.

With a student enrollment approaching 10,000 and a 250-acre campus, Jackson State University’s transformation is a testament to resilience, vision, and leadership. Washington Monthly magazine has annually ranked JSU among the nation’s top colleges for social mobility, research, and service, and it also is considered one of the top “Military Friendly Schools.” Accredited by the Commission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the University offers forty-seven (47) bachelor’s degrees, thirty-seven (37) master’s degrees, one (1) specialist-in-education degrees, and thirteen (13) doctoral degrees.