Jacksonville State University Overview: Programs, Campus Life, Admissions & More

Jacksonville State University (JSU), located in Jacksonville, Alabama, is a public institution with a rich history dating back to 1883. Originally established as a teacher training school, it has evolved into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including doctoral degrees.

Spanning a 459-acre campus, JSU is known for its strong academics, modern facilities, vibrant student life, and competitive NCAA Division I athletics as a member of Conference USA. With nearly 10,000 students from across the U.S. and over 85 countries, JSU emphasizes diversity, student engagement, and community impact. Its notable alumni include leaders in politics, media, sports, and the arts, reflecting the university’s lasting influence.

Jacksonville State University: A Comprehensive Overview

Jacksonville State University (JSU), often referred to as “Jax State,” is a public university located in Jacksonville, Alabama. With a rich history spanning over 140 years, JSU has grown into a regional educational hub, recognized for its diverse academic offerings, vibrant student life, and competitive athletics.

History and Evolution

JSU’s origins trace back to February 22, 1883, when the Alabama Legislature established the Jacksonville State Normal School. Initially acquiring the facilities of Calhoun College, the school focused on teacher training. Over the decades, it evolved, becoming Jacksonville State Teachers College in 1930, Jacksonville State College in 1957 (when its first graduate program was introduced), and finally, Jacksonville State University on August 2, 1966.

This progression reflects the institution’s expanding higher education role and commitment to offering a wider range of academic pursuits. JSU achieved Level 5 accreditation status in 2010, allowing it to offer doctoral degrees, with the first being the Doctor of Science in Emergency Management in Fall 2011.

Campus and Facilities

JSU’s main campus spans 459 acres and features 59 buildings, alongside multiple off-campus locations. The campus provides a comprehensive environment for learning and living. Key facilities include:

Academic Buildings: Housing various colleges and departments.

Houston Cole Library: A central resource for academic research and study.

Residence Halls and Apartments: Offering diverse on-campus living options for students, including freshman housing, community-style living, and apartments.

Recreation and Fitness Center: A 101,000 GSF state-of-the-art facility opened in 2019, featuring a 3-court gymnasium, multi-activity court, extensive weight and fitness areas, group fitness studios, an indoor lap pool, an outdoor leisure pool, racquetball courts, a 40-foot climbing wall, an elevated jogging track, a wellness center, and a gaming lounge.

Athletic Facilities: Including AmFirst Stadium (football), Pete Mathews Coliseum (basketball), and Rudy Abbott Field (baseball).

Enrollment and Demographics (Fall 2024 data)

JSU has consistently experienced enrollment growth, breaking records for four consecutive years.

• Total Enrollment: 9,955 students
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,663 students
• Full-time Enrollment: Approximately 72% of total students
• Credit Hour Production: Increased significantly from Fall 2023.

In Fall 2023, the breakdown of students by race/ethnicity was:

• White: 61.4%
• Black or African American: 22.4%
• Hispanic or Latino: 4.7%
• Two or More Races: 3.99%
• Asian: 0.817%
• American Indian or Alaska Native: 0.321%
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders: 0.124%
• Non-Resident Alien: (data not provided for 2023, but 4.78% in Fall 2024 for Jacksonville University, which may be a different institution)
• Not Reported: 3.52%

Students are represented from 49 states, 5 districts and territories, and 85 foreign countries. The gender distribution in Fall 2024 was approximately 60.5% female and 39.1% male.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Jacksonville State University is a selective institution with a 2023 acceptance rate of 76.2%. The average SAT composite score for enrolled first-time, first-year students was 1200, and the average ACT composite score was 26. The average high school GPA for admitted students was 3.73.

The estimated undergraduate tuition for 2023 was $10,290. JSU offers various forms of financial aid, including:

• Grants
• Scholarships: Including merit-based scholarships for first-time freshmen and transfer students, competitive foundation scholarships, and dual enrollment scholarships.
• Loans
• Employment opportunities

Academic Programs

JSU offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various colleges. Some prominent areas of study and degrees offered include:

Undergraduate Degrees (BA, BBA, BFA, BM, BME, BS, BSN):

1. Arts and Humanities (Art, English, History, Music, Theatre, Foreign Languages, Creative Writing, Film, Graphic Design)
2. Business (Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Management, Marketing, Professional Accountancy)
3. Education and Human Development (Social Science, Ethnic Studies, Educational Technology, Music Education, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education)
4. Public Service (Social Work, Communicative Disorders, Urban Studies, Criminal Justice, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology)
5. Science, Engineering & Technology (Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Meteorology, Industrial Technology)

Graduate Degrees (MA, MBA, MED, MFA, MPP, MPPMA, MPPMS, MS, MSMBA, MSD, MSN, MSNBA, MSMS, Ph.D.):

Master’s degrees in various fields, including Business Administration (MBA), Professional Accountancy, English, History, Political Science, Social Work, Public Policy and Administration (MPPA), Urban and Regional Planning, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Education, and Music Education.

Doctoral degrees: Doctor of Science in Emergency Management, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA), Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD), and Juris Doctorate (JD).

JSU also offers various minors and graduate certificates.

Student Life

Student life at JSU is designed to foster holistic development and engagement. The Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management offers a wide range of services and programs:

Student Organizations: Over 100 student organizations, including the Student Government Association and Fraternity & Sorority Life.

University Housing & Residence Life: Various on-campus living options.

University Recreation (UREC): Providing fitness programs (Zumba, yoga, POUND), competitive intramural sports (flag football, soccer, basketball), and facilities like a rock-climbing wall, indoor and outdoor pools, and an indoor track.

Counseling Services: Free individual and group sessions.

Veteran & Military Services: Support for military and post-traditional students.

RMC/JSU Health Center: Offering primary care, urgent care, and physicals.

“You Matter” Campaign: A university-wide initiative promoting respect and dignity for all students, regardless of background.

Athletics

The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are the intercollegiate athletic teams representing Jacksonville State University. They are a member of Conference USA (CUSA) in NCAA Division I (FBS), which they joined on July 1, 2023. The school colors are red and white, and the mascot is Cocky the Gamecock.

JSU sponsors 15 varsity teams:

• Men’s Sports (6): Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Tennis, Track and Field
• Women’s Sports (10): Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball
• Co-ed Sport (1): Rifle

The Gamecocks have a proud athletic history, with seven NCAA national championships across five sports, making them one of only two schools (along with Wisconsin–Whitewater) to win NCAA titles in baseball, basketball, and football. Notably, the women’s bowling team won the NCAA title in its inaugural season in 2024.

Notable Alumni

Jacksonville State University boasts a distinguished list of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Some notable individuals include:

• Randy Owen: Lead singer of the country music band Alabama.
• Heather Whitestone: Miss America 1995.
• Rick Bragg: Pulitzer Prize-winning author.
• Reynolds Wolf: Meteorologist for CNN Worldwide.
• Mike Rogers: U.S. Congressman representing Alabama’s 3rd District.
• Jim Folsom Jr.: Former Alabama Governor and current Lieutenant Governor.
• Jamey Johnson: Country Music Singer and Songwriter.
• Catherine Callaway: Former CNN Headline News anchor.
• Cary Guffey: Financial Planner and former child actor (star of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”).
• Mai Martinez: CBS2 Chicago news anchor.
• Dieter Brock: Former NFL and CFL player, member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
• Todd Jones: Former MLB All-Star relief pitcher.
• Rudy Abbott: Legendary baseball coach with over 1,000 career wins.
• Ashley Martin: First female to play and score in an NCAA college football game.

Jacksonville State University continues to be a vital institution, providing quality education, fostering personal growth, and contributing to the economic and social well-being of its region and beyond.

FAQs about Jacksonville State University

What is Jacksonville State University (JSU) known for?
JSU is known for its diverse academic programs, vibrant campus life, strong athletics, and long-standing history in teacher education.

Where is Jacksonville State University located?
JSU is located in Jacksonville, Alabama.

When was Jacksonville State University founded?
The university was founded on February 22, 1883, as Jacksonville State Normal School.

Is JSU a public or private university?
Jacksonville State University is a public university.

What type of degrees does JSU offer?
JSU offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees across multiple disciplines.

What is the student population at JSU?
As of Fall 2024, JSU has a total enrollment of 9,955 students.

What is the gender distribution at JSU?
Approximately 60.5% of students are female, and 39.1% are male.

What is the acceptance rate at JSU?
The acceptance rate in 2023 was 76.2%.

What are the average SAT and ACT scores for incoming students?
The average SAT score is 1200, and the average ACT score is 26.

What is the average GPA of admitted students?
The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.73.

How much is the undergraduate tuition at JSU?
Estimated undergraduate tuition for 2023 was $10,290.

Does JSU offer financial aid?
Yes, JSU offers grants, scholarships, loans, and student employment opportunities.

What scholarships are available at JSU?
JSU offers merit-based, competitive foundation, dual enrollment, and transfer student scholarships.

How large is the JSU campus?
The main campus covers 459 acres with 59 buildings and several off-campus sites.

What facilities are available on campus?
Facilities include academic buildings, residence halls, Houston Cole Library, fitness and recreation centers, and athletic venues.

What is the name of the JSU mascot?
The mascot is Cocky the Gamecock.

What athletic conference does JSU belong to?
JSU is a member of Conference USA (CUSA) in NCAA Division I (FBS).

How many varsity sports does JSU offer?
JSU sponsors 15 varsity sports, including men’s, women’s, and one co-ed team.

What are some popular majors at JSU?
Popular fields include Business, Education, Engineering, Nursing, Public Service, and Arts & Humanities.

Does JSU offer doctoral programs?
Yes, JSU offers several doctoral programs, including in Emergency Management, Nursing Practice, Educational Leadership, and Occupational Therapy.

What kind of student life opportunities does JSU provide?
Students can join over 100 organizations, participate in intramurals, use recreation facilities, and benefit from counseling and health services.

What is the “You Matter” campaign?
It’s a university-wide initiative promoting respect, dignity, and inclusion for all students.

Is housing available on campus?
Yes, JSU provides multiple on-campus housing options including residence halls and apartments.

Are there student support services for veterans?
Yes, JSU offers dedicated services for veteran and military-affiliated students.

What are the student demographics by ethnicity?
As of Fall 2023: 61.4% White, 22.4% Black, 4.7% Hispanic, and others including Asian, Native American, and international students.

How many international students attend JSU?
Students come from 85 foreign countries, contributing to JSU’s diverse community.

What notable alumni have graduated from JSU?
Prominent alumni include Randy Owen (singer), Heather Whitestone (Miss America), Rick Bragg (author), and Mike Rogers (Congressman).

Does JSU have a library?
Yes, the Houston Cole Library is a central academic resource on campus.

What recreational activities are available at JSU?
Students have access to fitness classes, a climbing wall, pools, courts, and intramural sports.

What health services does JSU provide?
The RMC/JSU Health Center offers primary and urgent care, physicals, and other health services.

Does JSU provide academic advising and counseling?
Yes, JSU offers academic advising, mental health counseling, and career support services.