OBJECTIVE: To investigate the outcomes of jugular foramen schwannomas (JFSs) and to evaluate the risk factors for tumor recurrence and poor final outcomes. METHODS: Between 1993 and 2013, 133 patients (68 female patients) with JFSs were surgically treated. Clinical charts were reviewed, and scheduled follow-up examinations were performed. RESULTS: The average preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score was 79.6. The JFSs were classified as follows: 65 cases, type A; 15 cases, type B; 5 cases, type C; and 48 cases, type D. Gross total resection was achieved in 107 (80.5%) patients. Transient and permanent morbidities affecting cranial nerves IX and X were 19.8% and 11.5%, respectively. After a mean follow-up duration of 108.0 months, 13 (9.9%) patients experienced recurrence. The most recent KPS scores averaged 83.7. Compared with the preoperative KPS score, the most recent KPS score was improved in 87 (65.4%) patients and stabilized in 29 (21.8%) patients. The presence of a solid tumor (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.815, P = 0.010), nontotal resection (HR = 4.613, P = 0.007), and pathologic mitoses (HR = 11.018, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for tumor recurrence. Decreased preoperative KPS score (per 10 points) (odds ratio [OR] = 2.483, P = 0.027), a less soft tumor consistency (OR = 2.257, P = 0.039), and a solid tumor (OR = 3.755, P = 0.041) were risk factors for poor long-term outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Quality of life and preservation of neurologic function are the goals of surgical treatment of JFSs. Favorable long-term surgical outcomes for JFSs can be achieved. Morbidity of cranial nerves IX and X is significant, and patients with nontotal resection or pathologic mitosis should be followed closely.