Head-to-head · 2026
Jacksonville State University vs Lurleen B Wallace Community College
Compare average net price ($14,279 at Jacksonville State University; $2,792 at Lurleen B Wallace Community College), ROI score (7.92 vs 28.93), ten-year median earnings ($45,235 vs $32,307), and admissions context (77.7% at Jacksonville State University; Open / not reported at Lurleen B Wallace Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 2-2. Lurleen B Wallace Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Jacksonville State University | Lurleen B Wallace Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.92 | 28.93 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $14,279 | $2,792 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $45,235 ✓ | $32,307 |
| Acceptance rate | 77.7% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 54.7% ✓ | 41% |
| Median debt | $22,189 | — |
| Enrollment | 7,036 | 1,097 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1059 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Jacksonville State University costs $11,487 more per year than Lurleen B Wallace Community College ($14,279 vs $2,792). Jacksonville State University graduates report $12,928 higher median earnings after ten years ($45,235 vs $32,307). On EduGradify's model that puts Lurleen B Wallace Community College ahead on projected ROI (28.93 vs 7.92, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Lurleen B Wallace Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Jacksonville State University reports 77.7% acceptance; Lurleen B Wallace Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Jacksonville State University vs Lurleen B Wallace Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Jacksonville State University or Lurleen B Wallace Community College the better value?
Lurleen B Wallace Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (28.93 vs 7.92), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Lurleen B Wallace Community College is cheaper — average net price $2,792 per year vs $14,279 at Jacksonville State University. The annual difference of $11,487 adds up to about $45,948 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Jacksonville State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $45,235 vs $32,307 at Lurleen B Wallace Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $12,928.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Jacksonville State University reports a B value grade; Lurleen B Wallace Community College reports A+.