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Prospective Students

We hope that you find the following information useful as you decide on your path for continuing your education. We would like you to become part of our Jackson State community.

Tell me about Jackson State.

We are one of the fastest growing two-year schools in the nation and are proud to be the only community college in Jackson, a distinction that provides the opportunity to grant access to many students who may not attend college otherwise. More than 4,300 students are enrolled at Jackson State for the fall 2007 semester, mostly from West Tennessee.

Why should I choose Jackson State?

Quality beyond compare
Our students are extremely satisfied with the level of quality education they receive from Jackson State. In fact, our students do better academically than students going straight to some four-year schools. Our faculty and staff are highly skilled and committed to student success. We strive daily to be a truly learner centered college.
We're affordable.
Our tuition and fees are about half what you'd pay at the University of Memphis or UT Martin. And if you're considering a private college, you'll pay about three times as much as you would at Jackson State! So, if you get the same quality education for less, why not make the affordable choice?
We're convenient.
Jackson State has campuses in Jackson, Lexington and Savannah. We offer early admission programs for high school students as well as online and video classes. Our goal is to make college accessible to everyone in West Tennessee, so we do all we can to make attending classes convenient for you.
We're friendly.
Because we are the community's college, the people who work at Jackson State are your neighbors. You'll never be just a number in a computer. Your instructors will know your name. In fact, if you stop and think about it, you probably already know someone who works or takes classes at Jackson State. So if you want to build your future among friends, choose Jackson State.Whether you want just to take a few classes, get a technical certificate, enhance your career through education, or get a degree before transferring to a 4-year school, we offer an outstanding collegiate experience while providing the convenience and security of home.

What degrees are offered by Jackson State?

If you want to transfer to a 4-year school after you finish with us, you can choose from 24 concentration areas to earn the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science from the College/University Transfer program. Nearly one half of our students transfer on to four-year schools.

Choose from 15 majors within Associate of Applied Science degree programs for students who want to enter the job market directly from Jackson State. Job placement services assist students make the transition from school to work.

In addition, three degrees are also available completely online through the Regents On-line Degree program:

  1. Associate of Applied Science in Professional Studies Concentration in Information Technology
  2. Associate of Arts in General Studies (University Parallel)
  3. Associate of Science in General Studies (University Parallel)

Technical Certificates are offered in:

Career Advancement Certificates are also available in Manufacturing Technology and Electromechanical Technology:

Where can I find academic program descriptions?

Program descriptions can be found in the current catalog (PDF).

What are the admission requirements?

Jackson State subscribes to the "open door" admissions policy striving to be the leader in comprehensive, quality education for each student.

Please note: All new, readmit and transfer students must submit a completed JSCC admission application.

Degree-Seeking:
Degree-Seeking students plan to earn JSCC degree for either transfer to a four-year institution or to directly enter the job market.

First Time Students
Transfer Students
Readmit Students
International Students

Special Admission (Non-degree seeking):
Special Admission Students or non-degree seeking students are not required to submit transcripts. You also will NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL AID, and may not be eligible to enroll in English or math courses. You may earn 18 hours of credit in the category.

Readmit Students
Early Admission Programs
Audit Students
Allied Health & Nursing
Certificate Seeking

What is Compass Testing? Can I take my GED at Jackson State?

The Compass exam is required for all first-time degree-seeking students who are over 21 years old. The test is given to check out your basic skills before signing you up for college-level work. Check for testing dates, times, & complete instructions.

We want to do all we can to help you succeed, which means proper course placement is key. Degree-seeking students under 21 will have to present ACT scores. Non-degree seeking students are not required to test, but have an 18 hour limit, cannot take English or math courses unless they prove eligibility for those courses, or use financial aid.

You can also take your GED with us.

What is Challenge Day Testing?

Challenge Day is held before each semester to allow students to challenge their basic and developmental placement. Check the college calendar for the Challenge Day dates and the deadlines. Students who have received a grade for a class (including a W or a PR) may not challenge a developmental class; they must retake the class to replace the grade.

To take the Challenge test, students must register at the Jackson State Assessment Center and pay a nonrefundable nontransferable fee of $20 to the Business Office by the published deadline each semester.

Students may challenge math, reading, and/or writing placement:

Students must bring a picture ID to the test, either a driver's license or Jackson State student ID.

ACT study guides are available at area bookstores and libraries. Test information is available at the <acronym title="Developmental Studies Program">DSP</acronym> web site.

Check for Challenge Day Test dates, times and complete instructions.

What is Tech Prep?

Tech Prep is a program that allows you to start planning what you'll do after high school when you're in the 9th grade. The material you learn in high school can be used at a Tennessee Technology Center or at Jackson State for credit towards a diploma or degree. Visit Jackson State's Tech Prep website for more details.

How much is tuition? Are there any additional fees?

You'll pay $1,197.50 per semester if you take 12 or more credit hours. If you sign up for 1 to 11 hours, the fee is $100.00 per credit hour. Additional fees for parking, student activities, lab and some others may apply. More information about tuition and fees can be found here.

Where can I find out about financial aid? What scholarships are available?

Last year, almost 50% of our students received some kind of financial aid. Types of financial aid include grants, work study, student loans and scholarships. You can visit the Office of Financial Aid's website or call 731-425-2605 for additional information.

Where can I apply for admission?

You can apply for admission:

When do I register? How do I register?

We provide an open or early bird registration period before each semester begins. It's critical that you early register for best class choice. Registration dates are posted on the Admissions' website and will be mailed to you if you apply for admission.

When are classes?

Some courses are taught in the day while other courses are taught one or two times at night per week. You also may use the option of on-line courses developed and taught the Jackson State faculty as well as checking out Regents On-Line Degree courses. Some courses are taught on Saturday as well. As you can tell, we work to provide flexibility that will accommodate most students' schedules. View the current class schedule.

What services are offered to students?

We want to do everything we can to help you succeed here at Jackson State. As a student, you'll have access to the Academic Assistance Center, for tutoring and other services. Also, you have access to advisors to help you define your collegiate path, a campus nurse, counseling services, help with job placement, and assistance for veterans and disabled students.

There are a number of student clubs such as Student Government Association (SGA), Phi Theta Kappa (two-year college honor society). Other activities, such as women's collegiate softball and basketball and men's collegiate baseball and basketball, are designed to enrich your collegiate experience while you're here with us.

Where is Jackson State located?

We have three campuses that serve a 14 county area in West Tennessee. Our main campus is in northeast Jackson, Tennessee at 2046 N. Parkway at the intersection of Hwy 70 and North Parkway. We also have a center in Lexington, Tennessee at 932 E. Church St. and Savannah, Tennessee at 601 S. Pickwick St.

Jackson Campus Map
Directions to Jackson Campus & Map
Directions to Lexington Campus & Map
Directions to Savannah Campus & Map

See Maps & Directions for more information.

Can I come for a campus tour?

Call (731) 424-3520 today to schedule a tour with Paula Fuller, ext. 369, or Yolanda Henning, ext. 484.

How safe is Jackson State?

We are proud to be one of the safest campuses in Tennessee. We have a security officer on duty 24/7, faculty and staff who are dedicated to your personal safety and a comprehensive safety plan for every possible situation that could pose a threat to you or your fellow classmates. Check our reported statistics for the Student Right to Know & Campus Security Act.

How does Jackson State provide for disabled students?

At Jackson State, we want the disabled student to have every opportunity to succeed. We strive to provide reasonable accommodations so that no student, solely because of their disability, will be excluded from any college activity or function. Our college admissions policies do not limit the number of disabled persons who may attend or be served. Our Office of Disability Services is located on the Jackson campus in the Student Union Building, room 12A. The phone number is 425-2616, or you can e-mail Fred Deaton at fdeaton@jscc.edu.

I'm a veteran. What can Jackson State do for me?

We have a financial aid officer dedicated to serving students who are eligible for veterans' educational benefits. The office is located on the Jackson campus in the Student Union Building, room 24C. You can call the office at 731-425-2618, e-mail bbarnhill@jscc.edu or visit the Veteran's Affairs website.

My question is not listed above.

If the questions above did not answer all of your questions, please call, come by, or log on to ask your question.

Phone:
Call (731) 425-8844 or 1-800-355-JSCC (in the 731 area code) in the Jackson area,
Call (731) 968-JSCC in the Lexington area, or
Call (731) 925-JSCC in the Savannah area.

In person:
Visit us at 2046 North Parkway in Jackson, Tennessee,
At 932 East Church Street in Lexington, Tennessee, or
At 601 South Pickwick Street in Savannah, Tennessee.