August 29, 2025

Jacksonville State University Improves Rankings Significantly

News Summary

Jacksonville State University (Jax State) has moved up to #55 among 135 Regional Universities in the South according to the U.S. News & World Report 2025 rankings. The university is also tied for #25 among Top Public Universities and improved its ranking for Top Performers on Social Mobility. Notably, Jax State has seen a significant rise in healthcare education rankings and its online programs. This advancement is attributed to the collective efforts of its community, showcasing the university’s commitment to academic excellence and student support.

Jacksonville, Alabama – Jacksonville State University (Jax State) has achieved a remarkable improvement in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Colleges Rankings, moving up nine positions to rank #55 among 135 Regional Universities in the South. This increase signifies a clear advancement in the university’s standing within the competitive landscape of higher education.

In addition to its overall ranking, Jax State is tied for #25 among 58 Top Public Universities in the South, underlining its commitment to public education excellence. The university also ranked #98 in the category of Top Performers on Social Mobility, highlighting its dedication to providing support for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Notable achievements extend into the realm of healthcare education, where Jax State holds a rank of #254 out of 686 nursing programs, demonstrating its efforts in providing quality healthcare education. Furthermore, the university’s graduate and online programs have also been recognized, achieving a rank of #36 for Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs.

The latest rankings illustrate significant academic growth, with Jax State’s position among Best Regional Universities in the South improving from 77th in 2022 to 55th in 2025, which translates to a noteworthy 28.6% improvement. Additionally, its ranking among Best Public Universities in the South has risen from 38th to 25th, reflecting a 34.2% increase since the previous rankings.

The commendable advancement in rankings has been attributed to the collective efforts of the university community, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni, who have all contributed to Jax State’s enhanced academic programs and student support services. This collaborative dedication has been identified as a key factor in driving the university’s success in recent assessments.

Dr. Christie Shelton, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, has emphasized that these rankings are a direct reflection of the high-quality academic programs offered at Jax State and the improved support available for students navigating their educational journeys. The improvement signals Jax State’s ongoing commitment to fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence and student success.

As Jacksonville State University continues to demonstrate its commitment to continuous improvement, it aims to create enriching experiences for its students while addressing the broader educational landscape’s challenges. The upward trajectory in rankings serves to enhance the university’s reputation, making Jax State an attractive option for prospective students looking for a quality education in the southern United States.

For additional information regarding Jax State’s rankings and other updates, interested parties can visit the U.S. News & World Report or the university’s dedicated Rankings and Designations page, which outlines the accomplishments and recognitions achieved by Jacksonville State University.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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