Jacksonville State Once Again Ranked Among U.S. News & World Report's Best Regional Universities in the South

Jacksonville, AL (10/03/2025) — Jacksonville State University (Jax State) has moved up three places to No. 52 in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Regional Universities in the South-advancing from last year's No. 55 and continuing the university's steady upward trajectory. Jax State also made a significant leap in Top Performers on Social Mobility, rising to No. 73 after entering the Top 100 at No. 98 last year.

"These rankings reflect the momentum we're building across the university," said Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., President of Jacksonville State University. "More than just numbers, they signal continued progress for Jax State. The recognition in social mobility is significant, because it shows that we are making a real difference in the lives of students-helping them achieve degrees that change the trajectory of their families and communities."

Increasingly, the rankings also spotlight how well schools serve students from all backgrounds, particularly Pell Grant recipients, through the Top Performers on Social Mobility list. Economically disadvantaged students are statistically less likely to finish college, even when controlling for high school achievement. Colleges that succeed in enrolling and graduating large proportions of Pell Grant recipients-federal grants awarded primarily to students from families earning under $50,000 annually-are recognized for advancing social mobility. Jax State's climb in this category emphasizes the university's impact in helping first-generation and low-income students persist to graduation and achieve meaningful careers.

Each year, U.S. News evaluates more than 1,500 colleges and universities nationwide, assessing them on measures that emphasize student outcomes and success. The methodology considers factors such as graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, financial investment per student, and reputation among peer institutions.

Jax State also ranked No. 26 among Top Public Universities in the South and No. 294 in the Nursing Program rankings, highlighting the scale and strength of academic offerings that prepare students for in-demand careers.

"At Jax State, we see every student as a story waiting to be written," said Dr. Christie Shelton, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. "These rankings affirm that our faculty and staff are walking alongside students-many of whom are the first in their families to attend college-helping them not only graduate but thrive. It's about opening doors, changing lives, and ensuring that every Gamecock has the chance to succeed."

For more on Jacksonville State University's rankings, visit U.S. News & World Report and Jax State's Rankings and Designations page.