Jacksonville State University Overview
Jacksonville State University (JSU), located in Jacksonville, Alabama, is a public university established in 1883. Originally founded as a teacher’s college, JSU has grown into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Known for its focus on academic excellence, community engagement, and career preparation, JSU provides students with a supportive environment that fosters both personal and professional growth. The university is also home to a thriving student body and a variety of extracurricular activities.
Average GRE Score for Jacksonville State University
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for admission to certain graduate programs at Jacksonville State University. The GRE is used to assess a candidate’s readiness for graduate-level work and is particularly relevant for programs that require strong verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Not all graduate programs at JSU require the GRE, as some may have alternative admissions requirements such as professional experience, letters of recommendation, or portfolio reviews.
Historical and Current GRE Scores
Over the years, JSU’s average GRE scores for admitted students have generally aligned with national averages. Different graduate programs may have varying GRE expectations, with more competitive programs in fields such as business, health sciences, and technology requiring higher scores.
Average GRE Scores Over the Past 10 Years
Below is a table that lists the average GRE scores for students admitted to JSU graduate programs over the past decade:
| Year | Verbal Reasoning | Quantitative Reasoning | Analytical Writing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 147 | 145 | 3.2 |
| 2015 | 147 | 146 | 3.3 |
| 2016 | 148 | 146 | 3.3 |
| 2017 | 148 | 147 | 3.4 |
| 2018 | 149 | 147 | 3.4 |
| 2019 | 149 | 148 | 3.5 |
| 2020 | 150 | 148 | 3.5 |
| 2021 | 150 | 149 | 3.6 |
| 2022 | 151 | 149 | 3.6 |
| 2023 | 151 | 150 | 3.7 |
As the table shows, the average GRE scores for JSU have steadily improved, with a slight increase in both verbal and quantitative reasoning scores over the past decade. Analytical writing scores have also shown a gradual upward trend.
Average GPA for Jacksonville State University
Grade Point Average (GPA) is a key criterion in the admissions process at Jacksonville State University. The university uses GPA to evaluate an applicant’s past academic performance and assess their potential for success at the undergraduate or graduate level. JSU seeks to admit students who demonstrate academic readiness and a commitment to their chosen field of study.
Undergraduate GPA Requirements
For undergraduate admissions, JSU requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, the average GPA of admitted students is typically higher, around 3.0. JSU takes a holistic approach to undergraduate admissions, considering other factors such as standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), extracurricular involvement, leadership experience, and personal essays in addition to GPA.
The university is committed to providing access to higher education for a diverse student body and offers conditional admission to students who may not meet the GPA threshold but show promise in other areas of their application.
Graduate GPA Requirements
Graduate programs at Jacksonville State University typically require a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 for admission. The exact requirement varies depending on the program. More competitive graduate programs, such as those in business, education, and nursing, often prefer applicants with GPAs above 3.0.
The admissions process for graduate programs at JSU also considers other components, such as GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and relevant professional experience. Students with GPAs below the preferred range may be admitted conditionally, depending on their performance in other areas of the application.
Admissions Statistics for Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville State University’s admissions statistics provide valuable insight into the competitiveness of its programs and the qualifications of its student body. These statistics vary for undergraduate and graduate admissions, as well as among individual programs.
Median GRE Scores for Graduate Programs
For many graduate programs at Jacksonville State University, the GRE is a key component of the admissions process. The following are the median GRE scores for students admitted to JSU’s graduate programs:
- Verbal Reasoning: 150
- Quantitative Reasoning: 150
- Analytical Writing: 3.6
These median scores reflect the typical range of GRE performance for students admitted to JSU’s graduate programs. Some programs, particularly in the fields of business, health sciences, and technology, may require higher GRE scores to ensure that students have the skills necessary to succeed in these competitive fields.
Median GPA for Admission
The median GPA for students admitted to Jacksonville State University is as follows:
- Undergraduate Admissions: The median GPA for incoming undergraduate students is around 3.0. While the minimum GPA for admission is 2.0, most admitted students have GPAs above this threshold, especially in competitive programs.
- Graduate Admissions: The median GPA for graduate students is approximately 3.2. Graduate programs at JSU, especially in fields such as education, business, and nursing, often prefer applicants with GPAs above 3.0, though some programs may admit students with lower GPAs based on other factors.
Acceptance Rate
Jacksonville State University has an acceptance rate that typically ranges between 55% and 65%. The acceptance rate for graduate programs can vary depending on the competitiveness of the program and the size of the applicant pool. Programs in business, nursing, and education may have lower acceptance rates due to high demand and selective admissions processes, while other programs may be less competitive.
TOEFL Requirement for International Applicants
TOEFL and English Proficiency Requirements
Jacksonville State University welcomes international students from around the world, but non-native English speakers are required to demonstrate proficiency in English. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is the primary assessment used to evaluate English language skills. However, JSU also accepts other English language proficiency tests such as the IELTS (International English Language Testing System).
TOEFL Score Requirements
The minimum required TOEFL scores for admission to Jacksonville State University are as follows:
- Internet-based test (iBT): 61
- Paper-based test (PBT): 500
These are the general minimum score requirements for admission to JSU. However, some graduate programs may have higher TOEFL requirements, particularly those in fields that require strong communication skills, such as business, education, or healthcare.
IELTS Score Requirements
In addition to TOEFL, JSU accepts IELTS scores for international students. The minimum required IELTS score for admission is 6.0, though higher scores may be required for certain graduate programs or for students applying to competitive disciplines.
Conditional Admission for English Language Proficiency
International students who do not meet the minimum TOEFL or IELTS score requirements may be offered conditional admission. Under this arrangement, students are required to complete English language courses through JSU’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program before beginning their academic coursework. The university provides extensive support to help international students improve their English proficiency and succeed in their academic programs.
Jacksonville State University Facts
Jacksonville State University is a dynamic institution that offers a wide range of academic programs, a supportive learning environment, and a vibrant campus life. The university’s mission is to provide students with a high-quality education while fostering personal growth, leadership development, and civic engagement.
General Information
- Established: 1883
- Type: Public University
- Location: Jacksonville, Alabama
- Mascot: Cocky the Gamecock
- Colors: Red and White
Jacksonville State University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its six colleges: the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Business and Industry, the College of Education and Professional Studies, the College of Health Professions and Wellness, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and the College of Science and Mathematics. JSU is particularly well-regarded for its programs in education, business, and nursing.
Contact Information
- Website URL: www.jsu.edu
- Admissions Email: admissions@jsu.edu
- Phone: (256) 782-5268
- Street Address:
Jacksonville State University
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville, AL 36265
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
- High School Diploma or Equivalent: Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent to be eligible for undergraduate admission.
- GPA: The minimum GPA for undergraduate admission is 2.0, though the average GPA of admitted students is around 3.0.
- Standardized Test Scores: JSU requires ACT or SAT scores for undergraduate admission. However, test scores may be waived for students applying under certain conditions or during specific admissions cycles.
- Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee is required as part of the undergraduate application process.
Graduate Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to be eligible for graduate programs.
- GPA: Most graduate programs at JSU require a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0. Competitive programs, such as those in business, nursing, and education, often prefer applicants with GPAs above 3.0.
- GRE Scores: Some graduate programs require GRE scores, though other programs may accept alternative qualifications such as work experience, professional certifications, or portfolio reviews.
- Letters of Recommendation: Graduate applicants are typically required to submit letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
- Personal Statement: A personal statement or essay is often required as part of the application process, detailing the applicant’s academic goals, professional experience, and reasons for applying to the program.
- English Proficiency: International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English language proficiency.