Eastern vs. Jackson State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY with Jackson State University in Jackson, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Kentucky University is larger than Jackson State University based on total student enrollment (15,673 students vs. 6,326 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond, KY (Distant Town setting); Jackson State University is in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting).
• Eastern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Jackson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Kentucky University 17:1; Jackson State University 14:1.

Eastern vs. Jackson State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Eastern or Jackson State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Eastern Kentucky University than Jackson State University ($12,279 vs. $23,450).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Kentucky University are 14.5% lower than at Jackson State University ($12,268 vs. $14,341).
• Eastern Kentucky University is 15.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jackson State University (about $1,355 more per year; $10,320.00 vs. $8,965.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77.4% higher at Eastern than at Jackson State University (about $9,265 more per year; $21,230.00 vs. $11,965.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Kentucky University than at Jackson State University (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Kentucky University students is 36.8% larger than aid received by Jackson State University students ($11,468 vs. $8,386).

Eastern vs. Jackson State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Eastern or Jackson State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Jackson State University and Eastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Kentucky University (980) is 30 points higher than at Jackson State University (950).
• Incoming Eastern students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 17 at Jackson State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 880/1080; Jackson State University 820/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 19/25; Jackson State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Eastern - Test optional; Jackson State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Eastern Aug 1, 2027; Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Eastern students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Jackson State University (3.1).
• Jackson State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.1%) than Eastern (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Eastern vs. 6.6% at Jackson State University.

Eastern vs. Jackson State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Eastern and Jackson State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Jackson State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Eastern Kentucky University's (38%).
• Graduates from Eastern Kentucky University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Jackson State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,900 vs. $32,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Kentucky University graduates have a $5,305 lower median loan debt than Jackson State University graduates ($23,695 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, Eastern graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Jackson State University graduates ($245 vs. $299).
• More Eastern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jackson State University students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 36%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.