Choosing the right college or university can be a daunting task, as it sets the foundation for a successful career and future. In this comparison, we will be taking an in-depth look at two universities – Jackson State University (JSU) and Coastal Carolina University (CCU). We will be exploring various factors such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and more to help prospective students make informed decisions on which institution best suits their needs and aspirations.
Jackson State University Overview
Located in Jackson, Mississippi, Jackson State University (JSU) is a public, historically black university (HBCU) that was founded in 1877. As part of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, JSU offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across its various colleges and schools. Students can expect a diverse, inclusive, and vibrant campus atmosphere that promotes academic excellence and personal growth.
Jackson State University Costs & Tuition
As a public university, Jackson State University offers affordable tuition rates, particularly for in-state students. The 2021-2022 tuition rate for Mississippi residents is $3,840 per semester for full-time undergraduate students and $4,920 for out-of-state students. Additionally, JSU provides financial aid and scholarship options to qualifying students.
Jackson State University Admissions
The admissions process at JSU is considered moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 66%. Prospective students are required to submit their high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. The average ACT score for admitted students ranges from 16 to 22, while the average SAT score ranges from 860 to 1070. Additionally, applicants must meet certain high school core curriculum requirements.
Jackson State University Degrees Offered
JSU offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, education, engineering, liberal arts, and sciences. The university is particularly known for its programs in education, social work, and criminal justice. In addition to traditional degree programs, JSU also offers online and continuing education options to accommodate students’ diverse needs and schedules.
Jackson State University Academics
Jackson State University prides itself on providing a strong academic foundation for its students through small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive support services. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, students can expect personalized attention and guidance throughout their academic journey. Additionally, the university offers various academic resources such as tutoring, mentoring, and career development services to ensure student success.
Jackson State University Diversity
As an HBCU, JSU boasts a diverse and inclusive community that is committed to fostering a culture of equity and respect. The student body is predominantly African American, with representation from various other ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The university also offers numerous programs and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion both on and off-campus.
Jackson State University Students
JSU has a total enrollment of over 7,000 students, with approximately 6,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including over 100 student clubs and organizations, Greek life, and various sports and recreational opportunities. Furthermore, JSU’s Student Government Association plays an active role in representing student interests and promoting campus engagement.
Jackson State University Campus
The 245-acre campus of JSU is located in the heart of Jackson, providing students with access to various cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities. The campus itself is home to state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research centers, and recreational spaces. Additionally, on-campus housing options are available for students, with several residence halls and apartment complexes.
Jackson State University Alumni
Notable alumni from Jackson State University include civil rights activist Medgar Evers, former NFL player Walter Payton, and award-winning author Kiese Laymon. JSU works to maintain strong connections with its alumni through various events, networking opportunities, and giving programs.
Jackson State University Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report, Jackson State University is ranked #19 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and #76 (tie) in Top Public Schools in the Regional Universities South category.
Jackson State University Outcomes
JSU is committed to ensuring the success of its students both during their time at the university and beyond. The university has a six-year graduation rate of 43% and an employment rate of 84% within six months of graduation. Additionally, JSU’s Career Services Center works to provide students with resources and guidance for career development and job placement.
Coastal Carolina University Overview
Coastal Carolina University (CCU), located in Conway, South Carolina, is a public university that was founded in 1954. Offering over 95 undergraduate and graduate programs, CCU emphasizes experiential learning and community engagement. With a focus on sustainability and environmental preservation, the campus is located near the picturesque Waccamaw River and offers a welcoming and engaging environment for students.
Coastal Carolina University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Coastal Carolina University varies based on residency status, with in-state tuition for full-time undergraduate students set at $5,820 per semester and out-of-state tuition at $13,697 per semester. To help offset the cost of attendance, CCU offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Coastal Carolina University Admissions
Coastal Carolina University has an acceptance rate of approximately 70%, making it moderately competitive in terms of admissions. Prospective students are required to submit their high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal essay as part of the application process. The average ACT score for admitted students is between 19 and 24, while the average SAT score ranges from 1030 to 1200.
Coastal Carolina University Degrees Offered
CCU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various academic fields, including business, education, humanities, sciences, and fine arts. Some of the most popular programs at CCU include marine science, accounting, biology, and communication. The university is also known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and research opportunities.
Coastal Carolina University Academics
Coastal Carolina University is committed to providing its students with personalized attention and support throughout their academic journey, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1. Additionally, the university offers various academic resources, such as tutoring, writing assistance, and advising services, to help students succeed in their studies and achieve their goals.
Coastal Carolina University Diversity
CCU is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The student body comprises individuals from various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, providing a rich and vibrant community for students to engage with and learn from. The university also offers numerous programs and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion both on-campus and in the broader community.
Coastal Carolina University Students
With a total enrollment of over 10,000 students, Coastal Carolina University offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and opportunities for students to engage in outside of the classroom. This includes over 200 student clubs and organizations, Greek life, and various intramural and club sports. Furthermore, the university is known for its strong commitment to community engagement and service-learning opportunities.
Coastal Carolina University Campus
CCU’s 630-acre campus is situated just a short drive from Myrtle Beach, providing students with access to the coast and various recreational and cultural opportunities. The campus itself features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research centers, and recreational spaces. On-campus housing options are available for students, with a mix of residence halls and apartment-style living.
Coastal Carolina University Alumni
Notable alumni from Coastal Carolina University include singer and songwriter Lee Brice, PGA golfer Dustin Johnson, and actress Lauren Lapkus. CCU maintains strong connections with its alumni through various events, networking opportunities, and giving programs designed to support the university and its students.
Coastal Carolina University Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report, Coastal Carolina University is ranked #45 in Regional Universities South and #17 in Top Public Schools in the same category.
Coastal Carolina University Outcome
Coastal Carolina University is dedicated to ensuring the success of its students both during their time at the university and beyond. The university has a six-year graduation rate of 47% and an employment rate of 89% within six months of graduation. Additionally, CCU’s Career Services office works to provide students with resources and guidance for career development and job placement.
Jackson State University vs Coastal Carolina University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attendance for both Jackson State University and Coastal Carolina University, there are some key differences to take into account. JSU offers a more affordable tuition rate, particularly for in-state students, with in-state tuition being $3,840 per semester compared to CCU’s in-state tuition of $5,820 per semester. However, both institutions offer financial aid and scholarship options for qualifying students, which can help to offset the overall cost of attendance.
Jackson State University vs Coastal Carolina University Admissions Difficulty
Both JSU and CCU have moderately competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of around 66% and 70% respectively. When comparing average test scores for admitted students, CCU has slightly higher average ACT and SAT scores than JSU. However, it is essential to consider other factors such as high school GPA and extracurricular involvement, as these can also play a role in the admissions decision.
Jackson State University vs Coastal Carolina University Academic Difficulty
In terms of academic rigor, both universities provide a strong academic foundation through dedicated faculty, small class sizes, and comprehensive support services. With similar student-to-faculty ratios of 16:1, students at both institutions can expect personalized attention and guidance throughout their academic journey. The choice between the two universities may come down to the specific programs and degree offerings that align with a student’s interests and career goals.
Jackson State University vs Coastal Carolina University Outcome Comparison
When comparing outcomes for graduates of JSU and CCU, both institutions have relatively similar six-year graduation rates, with JSU at 43% and CCU at 47%. However, CCU boasts a slightly higher employment rate within six months of graduation at 89%, compared to JSU’s 84%. As with many other factors in the college decision process, individual student goals, interests, and experiences will play a significant role in determining the best fit for a successful academic and professional outcome.
