Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University (Jax State) has earned a prestigious spot as one of only eight Alabama colleges featured in The Wall Street Journal’s 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings. The university placed No. 7 among all Alabama institutions and No. 5 among public universities, a testament to its dedication to academic excellence, student success, and community impact.
Jax State’s standout achievements in the Student Experience and Social Mobility categories underscore its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for students from all walks of life.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized among the best colleges in the U.S. by The Wall Street Journal,” said Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., President of Jax State. “These achievements across multiple categories validate the hard work and dedication of our entire community—faculty, staff, and students—who make Jax State a place where students can grow, succeed, and achieve their goals. This recognition reflects our ongoing mission to deliver top-quality education that equips our graduates to excel in their careers and beyond.”
In the Student Experience category, Jax State ranked No. 2 among Alabama institutions and 112th nationally, showcasing its efforts to provide a well-rounded, engaging campus experience. With its focus on inclusivity, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong sense of community, the university has become a hub for student enrichment and growth.
Jax State also excelled in the Social Mobility sub-ranking, placing No. 3 among Alabama colleges and 206th nationally. This category recognizes institutions that significantly improve the upward mobility of lower-income students while maintaining high graduation rates and providing a positive salary impact. The ranking reflects Jax State’s dedication to offering affordable, high-quality education that opens doors for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Additionally, the university earned notable recognition in other categories, including Best Value (No. 6 in Alabama, 452nd nationally) and Salaries (No. 7 in Alabama, 456th nationally), reaffirming Jax State’s commitment to helping students achieve long-term career success.
Jax State’s strong performance across these categories highlights its role as a leader in higher education, preparing students for successful careers while fostering an enriching college experience.
