Jax State Climbs to New Heights, Ranking Among the Top 25 Public Schools in the South by U.S. News & World Report

by Josh Underwood

Jacksonville, AL (10/22/2024) — Jacksonville State University (Jax State) continues its rise in national recognition, achieving higher standings in the newly released U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Colleges Rankings. Jax State has climbed nine spots to #55 out of 135 Regional Universities ranked in the South, solidifying its position as one of the top institutions in the region. The university also earned a place among the nation's top public universities, tying at #25 out of 58 schools in the Top Public Universities in the South, further affirming its reputation as a leader in public higher education.

"These rankings reflect the dedication and hard work of our entire university community, from faculty and staff to students and alumni," said Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., President of Jacksonville State University. "Our rise in national recognition speaks to Jax State's commitment to providing an exceptional education that is both accessible and impactful. We are proud of our continued progress and remain focused on empowering our students to succeed and make meaningful contributions to their communities."

The university's dedication to student success is also reflected in its rank of #98 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, which highlights its commitment to supporting students from all socioeconomic backgrounds and providing them with pathways to success. Jax State is also #254 out of 686 programs ranked in Nursing, reflecting the strength of its nursing programs, which continue to play a vital role in training healthcare professionals.

In addition to undergraduate program accolades, Jax State's graduate and online programs received national recognition for their quality. The university was ranked #36 in Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs, underscoring its leadership in providing flexible, accessible education for working professionals. The Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice program was ranked #117, and Jax State also earned strong rankings in public affairs and social work, tying at #214 in Best Public Affairs Programs and #201 in Social Work. Additionally, the university's online master's nursing programs were ranked in the #141-186 range.

"Our strong performance in the U.S. News rankings is a testament to the high quality of our academic programs and the efforts we've made to enhance student success," said Dr. Christie Shelton, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. "At Jax State, we strive to create an environment where students are supported and challenged, ensuring they have the resources they need to excel both in the classroom and beyond."

Jacksonville State University has steadily climbed the rankings for both Best Regional Universities in the South and Best Public Universities in the South for the fourth consecutive year. Jax State's position in the Best Regional Universities in the South category has improved from 77th in 2022 to 55th in 2025, marking a 28.6% increase over that time. Similarly, the university's ranking in the Best Public Universities in the South has risen from 38th in 2022 to 25th in 2025, reflecting a 34.2% improvement. This consistent upward trajectory underscores Jax State's commitment to academic excellence and student success.

To see the full rankings for Jacksonville State University, visit U.S. News & World Report, and to see where Jax State ranks on other lists, visit the university's Rankings and Designations page.

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Angle Hall_Jax State

Angle Hall on the campus of Jacksonville State University