Education Statistics
Education Levels
| Jackson | Tennessee | United States | |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 22.7% | 19.6% | 24.4% |
| 1-3 Years of College | 26.2% | 24.7% | 27.3% |
| High School Degree | 28.7% | 31.6% | 28.6% |
| Less Than High School Degree | 22.3% | 24.1% | 19.6% |
Source: US Bureau of the Census, 2000
Bethel College
Located 45 minutes northeast of Jackson, Bethel College is an independent, four-year liberal arts college that is an educational ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
- Founded in 1842, it was the first college in West Tennessee.
- Bethel offers 17 undergraduate degree programs, which includes 12 pre-professional programs. Two Master's and an Adult Degree program are also offered.
- Its 500 students can receive a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor in Organizational Management or Early Childhood Education through the SUCCESS adult program, a Masters in Education, and a Master's in Teaching.
- Bethel is accredited by the Commission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Freed-Hardeman University, a private, liberal arts university 20 miles south of Jackson in Henderson, is supported by members of the Churches of Christ.
- Its more than 1,500 students can receive Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Social Work degrees. They also can earn a Master of Education, Master of New Testament, or Master of Science in Counseling Degree.
- The fully accredited school offers majors in over 30 areas of study.
With about 4,000 students, Jackson State Community College is the largest college in Jackson and the only state-affiliated school in the city.
- The curriculum offers career-oriented programs through an Associate of Applied Science degree in agriculture technology, computer information systems, nursing, office administration, physical therapy assistance, radiology and respiratory care.
- The college also has 29 emphasis areas for Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees that will prepare students to finish their degree at a four-year school.
- The Ned R. McWherter Center of Advanced Industrial Technologies at JSCC continues to develop new and exciting programs to meet the needs of expanding industry in West Tennessee. (For more information on the center, see the Industrial Training section of this publication.)
Founded in 1843 by the Methodist Church, Lambuth University is a four-year university serving 1,000 students.
- Students can choose from 38 majors and 12 pre-professional programs from the School of Business and Professional Studies, the School of Visual Arts and Communication, the School of Natural and Applied Sciences, or the School of Humanities.
- Student-to-faculty ratio is 15-1.
- Besides traditional liberal arts courses, Lambuth has a variety of special programs to give students added practical experience. For example, interior design majors participate in an Interior Design Show House and work for one semester as apprentices with professional interior designers.
Started by Christian Methodist Episcopal Church officials in 1882, Lane College began as a high school to give African-American students the best in education.
- The college offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in 18 majors, such as biology, business administration, chemistry, communications, education, computer science, engineering (in cooperation with Tennessee State University), mathematics, music, health, history, religion, and sociology.
- Lane College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
University of Memphis Center is located at the Tennessee Technology Center in Jackson.
- The majority of the 500 enrolled students are employed full-time while they work toward degrees.
- Undergraduate courses include elementary education, organizational leadership, nursing, business, and engineering technology.
- Graduate courses are offered in counseling, research, and education psychology; educational administration and supervision; curriculum and instruction (reading, elementary, secondary, special education, and adult education); business administration; and healthcare administration.
The University's main campus is in Memphis, about an hour and a half drive away.
Tennessee Technology Center at JacksonTTC offers more than 16 specific fields of study in health care, business assistance and other light and heavy industry occupations.
- The center is fully accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and is operated by the Tennessee Board of Regents.
- TTC Jackson is one of 27 technology centers in Tennessee.
- The center has developed special programs, such as blueprint reading, industrial electricity, hydraulics, precision measurements, math for trades, pneumatics, computer software/hardware, quality control, welding, automotive technology, industrial controls, GED preparation, communication skills, adult literacy and computer aided drafting (CAD).
Founded in 1823, Union University is the oldest Southern Baptist College in the country.
- More than 2,200 students are enrolled at Union, where 46 areas of study focus on arts and sciences, pre-professional programs, business, education and human studies, and nursing.
- Graduate study is available in both the School of Business Administration and the School of Education and Human Studies, where students may pursue a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Arts in Education or a Master of Education.
- One special interest program allows registered nurses to return to school and receive a Bachelor of Science degree. Union also offers a traditional program for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
- An accelerated evening program schedules classes for eight weeks rather than the traditional 15-week semester to better meet the needs of working adults.
The University of Tennessee at Martin, 55 miles north of Jackson, is a primary campus of the University of Tennessee system and the only public university in West Tennessee outside of Memphis.
- UTM's 5,600 students can choose from more than 65 majors.
- Baccalaureate degrees are offered in more than 8 specialized fields of study ranging from Agriculture and Engineering to Business Administration and Teacher Education.
- Master's degrees are available in Accounting, Business Administration, Counseling and Teacher Education and Human Environmental Sciences. Master's degree level courses in Business Administration and Teacher Education are available in Jackson.
- The University is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference and competes in 17 NCAA Division I sports in both men's and women's athletics. UT Martin also has a nationally ranked collegiate rodeo team.
