Parents and Families
A guide for the parents, guardians, and families of prospective Jackson State University students. Learn how the application process works, how to make college affordable, how to visit our beautiful Jackson campus, and how your student can get credit for their prior academic achievements.
What you need to know
Jackson State University® is committed to supporting families through every step of the college transition. Whether you’re guiding a first-time college student or navigating a transfer, this page consolidates the most important information families ask about: the application process, cost, campus visits, and academic credit.
Students are still able to be admitted without an ACT. Just submit your application and high school transcript and we will admit you upon review. Students not submitting an ACT, SAT or Residual score will be automatically enrolled in the Year-long Academic Support Program, which requires intermediate-level coursework. Please contact 1-866-THEEJSU (1-866-843-3578) for more information.
Test-Optional Policy Notice
The published policy statement reads: “Jackson State University is test optional for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years.” This policy statement is approximately 2 years out of date. Please contact Undergraduate Admissions at 1-866-843-3578 to confirm the current test-optional policy for your student.
Parent Guide — Four Categories
Four curated categories answering the questions families most often ask: Applying, Affording, Visiting, and Credit.
Applying To JSU
Making College Affordable
Visiting THEE JSU
Getting Credit For What You’ve Accomplished
- Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate Credit
- Transferring Credits from Other Institutions
Priority deadlines
Help your student stay on track. Application deadlines apply to both Traditional and JSUOnline programs.
Two schedules — Traditional and JSUOnline
Priority Deadlines
- Fall Semester August 21st
- Spring Semester January 15th
- First Summer Session May 27th
- Second Summer Session June 26th
Priority Deadlines
- Spring – 1st 8 Weeks January 7th
- Spring – 2nd 8 Weeks March 4th
- Summer May 15th
- Fall – 1st 8 Weeks August 20th
- Fall – 2nd 8 Weeks October 11th
Which admissions path fits your student?
Six admission paths cover every situation. Click through to find the specific requirements for your student’s path.
Freshman
You have never attended a college or university, or you attended a college or university for the first time in the prior summer term.
Student TypeTransfer
You are entering JSU for the first time, but previously attended another postsecondary institution.
Student TypeReadmit
You previously attended JSU, but did not attend during the previous fall or spring semester.
Student TypeInternational
You are a non-US Citizen seeking an undergraduate degree. This excludes students graduating (or transferring) from a college or high school in the US.
Student TypeJSUOnline
You are interested in online degree programs and general education courses which allow students to conveniently earn a quality education and work toward achieving long-term career goals.
Student TypeOther Student Types
Learn about admissions for transient, non-degree seeking, dually enrolled, homeschooled, GED, and post-baccalaureate students.
Support your student can count on
Encourage your student to connect with these dedicated support offices as they transition to JSU.
Common admissions forms
Access commonly-needed admissions forms through the JSU Central etrieve.cloud portal.
Ready to Support Your Student?
Contact JSU Undergraduate Admissions at 1-866-843-3578 or futuretigers@jsums.edu for personalized guidance on your student’s application.
Contact Information
Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 17330
Jackson, MS 39217
Undergraduate Recruitment
1400 John R. Lynch Street
P.O. Box 18389
Jackson, MS 39217