Head-to-head · 2026
Jacksonville State University vs Jefferson State Community College
Compare average net price ($14,279 at Jacksonville State University; $9,086 at Jefferson State Community College), ROI score (7.92 vs 11.20), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($45,235 vs $40,719), and admissions context (77.7% at Jacksonville State University; Open / not reported at Jefferson State Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Jacksonville State University | Jefferson State Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 7.92 | 11.20 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $14,279 | $9,086 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $57,116 | $36,344 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $12,894 | $5,100 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $23,334 | $8,970 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $45,235 ✓ | $40,719 |
| Acceptance rate | 77.7% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 54.7% ✓ | 25.6% |
| Retention rate | 64.6% ✓ | 59.2% |
| Median debt | $22,189 | $9,689 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 7,036 | 5,470 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1059 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Jacksonville State University | Jefferson State Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $12,472 | $6,836 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $12,622 | $7,091 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $15,343 | $9,884 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $17,480 | $12,322 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $18,183 | $12,274 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Jacksonville State University | Jefferson State Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 5.5% | 46.3% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 19.5% | 9.5% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 5.8% | 4.1% |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | 1.8% | 6.2% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 1.4% | 5.6% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 1.7% | 1.3% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 1.6% | 1% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Jefferson State Community College reports the lower average net price by $5,193 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $20,772 difference over four years ($36,344 vs $57,116).
Jacksonville State University reports $4,516 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($45,235 vs $40,719). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 64.6% at Jacksonville State University and 59.2% at Jefferson State Community College. Median federal debt among completers is $22,189 vs $9,689, respectively.
7 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Jacksonville State University vs Jefferson State Community College, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Jefferson State Community College is cheaper — average net price $9,086 per year vs $14,279 at Jacksonville State University. The annual difference of $5,193 adds up to about $20,772 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Jacksonville State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $45,235 vs $40,719 at Jefferson State Community College. The gap in the federal data is $4,516. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.