Enrollment Success
Nearly 500
That’s the number of students Jackson State University (JSU) has enrolled with Ardeo’s Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAPs) for the 2024-25 academic year.
It all started with a bold vision in early 2024: address the growing teacher shortage by alleviating financial concerns for students. As the first HBCU to partner with Ardeo, JSU embraced LRAP as a transformative way to empower future educators and other select groups.
Tackling Financial Barriers with LRAP
For many students, particularly those from low-income households, the fear of student loan debt can be overwhelming. Pursuing a teaching degree feels risky given the field’s lower starting salaries.
That’s where LRAP comes in. The program helps graduates repay federal, private, and parent loans (plus converted TEACH Grants) if income is modest. This powerful protection reduces the financial risks of earning a degree, allowing students to focus on their education and career goals.
For JSU, LRAP is more than just financial aid or an enrollment tool, it’s a strategic solution to address Mississippi’s teacher shortage and empower future educators.
Early Wins: Enrollment and Impact
JSU’s rollout of LRAP quickly delivered impressive results:
- 449 students enrolled with LRAPs for the 2024-25 academic year.
- 42.1% of surveyed students said they wouldn’t have enrolled without it.
These numbers highlight LRAP’s ability to attract students who might otherwise forego higher education, providing a critical safety net that enables them to dream bigger.
Additionally, the university experienced an overall 1.7% increase in first-time freshmen and 5.8% increase in applicants, reflecting the impact of multiple initiatives, including LRAP.
For students like Zion N., LRAP is more than a program, it’s life changing.
“I come from a low-income household, and without this safety net, I wouldn’t be able to attend JSU.”
– Zion N., JSU LRAP Recipient
By offering LRAPs to teacher education majors and other select groups, JSU is creating a pipeline of passionate, skilled educators ready to step into classrooms across Mississippi and beyond.
What’s Next? Expanding LRAP Opportunities
Encouraged by its early success, JSU is set to expand LRAP in 2025-26. For the first time, the program will be available to all incoming first-year students, ensuring more students can pursue higher education without financial fear.
Want to learn more about how LRAPs support teacher education growth? Explore our education program strategy page.
