Post-Baccalaureate (Second Bachelor’s Degree)
For adults who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to pursue a second bachelor’s degree at Jackson State University. Only 2 documents required (application + prior transcript), JSU alumni exempt from documents, and FAFSA-eligible for federal financial aid. Seven-step enrollment process.
Return to school — pursue your second degree
Jackson State University® is an environment that inspires you to grow, learn, and reach beyond the ordinary. This is a “home away from home” where every student can find their place.
Our team in Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment is committed to assisting prospective students and their families through the acceptance and enrollment process by providing essential information to help students successfully transition into the university. This webpage will provide you with the necessary information to guide your educational goals.
Test-Optional Policy Notice
The published policy statement reads: “Jackson State University is test optional for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years.” Note for post-baccalaureate applicants: ACT/SAT scores are typically not required for Post-Bacc admissions because you already hold a bachelor’s degree. Please contact Undergraduate Admissions at 1-866-843-3578 to confirm current requirements for your situation.
Two things that make Post-Baccalaureate simpler
Post-Baccalaureate applicants benefit from streamlined requirements compared to first-time freshmen or transfer students.
JSU Alumni: No Documents Required
If you graduated from Jackson State University, you do not need to submit any documents. JSU welcomes its own alumni back for additional education without transcript requirements.
FAFSA-Eligible for Federal Aid
Unlike non-degree seeking students, Post-Baccalaureate students are eligible for FAFSA and federal financial aid. JSU Federal Code: 002410.
Seven steps to enrollment
Complete these seven sequential steps from campus visit through student ID to enroll at Jackson State University as a Post-Baccalaureate student. No housing, scholarships, or move-in day steps — those apply to first-time freshmen.
Visit Our Campus
Are you ready to visit our beautiful Jackson, MS campus? Join us for a tour and explore life at Jackson State. Your visit will consist of a brief orientation session and a 1½ hour walking tour. Tours are conducted by recruitment office staff and student ambassadors. You’ll learn about undergraduate admission requirements, degree options, housing, student life, and the legacy of the university, and see notable buildings including our JSU Student Center, residential facilities, recreation center, and library.
Schedule a Campus Visit →Get Admitted to JSU
Applying to Jackson State University takes 2 easy steps:
- Submit an online application at
jsums.orgby clicking the “Apply” link on the homepage. - Request your current college or university to send an official transcript showing date of graduation to Undergraduate Admissions. If you graduated from Jackson State University, you do not need to submit any documents.
Graduated from JSU? Skip the transcript.
If you graduated from Jackson State University, you do not need to submit any documents. Welcome back to your alma mater.
Please allow at least 7-10 business days from the receipt of all required documents for an admission decision.
How to Submit Your Official Transcript
The official transcript may be sent through any of these methods:
e-Scrip Safe
Electronic via web account
Parchment
Electronic via web account
Clearinghouse
Email transcripts@jsums.edu
Hand Delivered
Must be in a sealed envelope
Mailed
Must be sent in school envelope
Other Methods
Call 601-979-6361
Jackson State University
Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 17330
Jackson, MS 39217
jsums.org/admissions
Complete the FAFSA
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov
and request the results be forwarded to the Financial Aid
Office at Jackson State University.
JSU Code: 002410
Use this federal school code when completing your FAFSA to ensure your results are sent to Jackson State University. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 1-866-THEE-JSU (866-843-3578) to check the status of your award.
Set Up Your FAFSA in P.A.W.S.
- Go to
jsums.organd click on P.A.W.S. - Log in using your User ID (J Number) and PIN.
- Click “Financial Aid”.
- Click “Award” and select the appropriate aid year.
- If you have a direct loan offer, you must accept the loan before funds can be disbursed to your student account.
- You must also complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov. Your results will be electronically sent to Jackson State University.
Check for Missing and/or Unsatisfied Requirements
- Go to
jsums.organd click on JSU P.A.W.S. - Login using your User ID and PIN.
- Click on Financial Aid.
- Click on Eligibility Requirements and select Aid Year.
- Click Submit.
- Review Student Requirements, Holds, Academic Progress.
- If you have Unsatisfied Requirements, please submit documents to the Financial Aid Office immediately.
Accept Your Award Offer
- Go to
jsums.organd click on JSU P.A.W.S. - Login using your User ID and PIN.
- Click on Financial Aid.
- Click “Award”.
- Click “Award for Aid Year”.
- Click “Accept Award Offer” tab and follow the instructions.
Send Immunization Record
All students born after December 1956 who plan to attend classes on one of our campuses must submit proof of immunization compliance for measles, mumps, and rubella. Online students are excepted. A copy of your immunization record (or your state’s immunization compliance form) can be submitted directly to the JSU Health Center.
For more detailed information on JSU’s health screening requirements, including for international students, exemptions, and the Health Center’s mailing address, visit the JSU Health Center webpage.
Register for Classes
Whether you are taking a class online or on campus, please schedule a meeting with an academic advisor.
Complete Registration or Set Up a Payment Plan
“Completing Registration” is the phrase used to describe the Business Office acknowledgement or verification of how fees are to be paid for the current semester. Once this information is officially communicated to the Business Office, we will accept the charges and payments for the current semester which in turn protects the student’s classes from being purged.
Two Ways to Officially Communicate
- Automatic Registration Complete — The most popular way. Once a student has selected classes (along with housing and meal plan), the system will review all eligible accepted financial aid. If the remaining balance is less than $200, the student’s registration will be completed automatically.
- Online Payment Plan — The plan divides the balance due into four (4) installments. The initial installment plus $100 (the deferment fee) is required to complete registration. The remaining three (3) installments are due in 30-day increments.
Late fees of $70 begins on the 1st day of class. Complete registration on time to avoid additional charges.
Verify Status via JSU PAWS
- Select the “Student” tab.
- Select “Registration”.
- Select “Fall Registration Service”.
- Select “Check Registration Status”.
- If registration is complete, a congratulatory message will be displayed.
- If not, a message will display instructing you to your next required step.
Get Your Student Identification
To enhance the safety and security of the campus community, faculty, staff and students are required to obtain a University-issued photo ID card. The University mandates that all faculty, staff, and students display his/her ID card visibly at all times while on campus. Post-Baccalaureate students are able to obtain their ID after Step 6 registration is complete.
The source states: “First-year students are able to obtain their ID after registration is complete (Step 8).” But this page has only 7 steps — Step 8 does not exist. This is a copy-paste from the HSE/Home-Schooled 12-step pages. Additionally, Post-Baccalaureate students are NOT first-year students — they already hold a bachelor’s degree. Rebuild corrects the reference to Step 6 (the actual registration completion step) and updates “First-year students” to “Post-Baccalaureate students”.
Priority deadlines
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
Ready for Your Second Degree?
Contact JSU Undergraduate Admissions at 1-866-843-3578 for personalized assistance with your Post-Baccalaureate application. JSU alumni: no documents required.
Contact Information
Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 17330
Jackson, MS 39217