Jackson State University vs Belhaven University: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Belhaven University comes closer — median earnings $46,440 against a $62,704 total, vs $39,060 at Jackson State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Jackson State University | Belhaven University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $23,836 | $15,676 |
| Total net cost | $95,344 | $62,704 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $39,060 | $46,440 |
| Median debt | $30,470 | $26,333 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$281,344 | -$101,104 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Jackson State University or Belhaven University?
Belhaven University, at $15,676 a year after aid versus $23,836 — a gap of $8,160 a year, or $32,640 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Jackson State University or Belhaven University graduates earn more?
Belhaven University graduates report a median $46,440 ten years after entry, $7,380 more than the $39,060 at Jackson State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Jackson State University or Belhaven University?
Belhaven University: its completers carry a median $26,333 in federal loans versus $30,470 at Jackson State University, a difference of $4,137. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
51% of students finish at Jackson State University, against 49% at Belhaven University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.