The best universities in Mississippi provide top-notch education, have a great student-faculty ratio, and have high graduation rates. They also offer financial aid options, so you won’t have to completely bear the burden of paying for a degree. In this guide, we have the best Mississippi universities ranked. We also have a section for the best colleges in Mississippi.
Among the institutions on this list are the top-caliber academics as well as a wide range of extracurricular activities. For working adults and parents on the go, many of these institutions provide convenient online learning alternatives. Keep reading for the top 10 universities in Mississippi and detailed information on their academic programs.
What Are the Best Universities in Mississippi?
The best universities in Mississippi include The University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, William Carey University, University of Southern Mississippi, and Belhaven University. These universities are the best in Mississippi because they record the highest percentage of total graduation rates for all their students.
They also provide avenues for students to seek financial aid to help everyone gain academic degrees. Some other top universities in Mississippi for academic excellence include Mississippi University For Women, Alcorn State University, and Jackson State University.
How Many Universities Are in Mississippi?
There are 17 universities in Mississippi according to the National Center for Education Statistics. To be regarded as a university, a post-secondary institution must first be licensed or chartered under appropriate regional or national authorities within the country. They must offer degrees that run for at least four years and graduate programs, such as master’s or doctoral degrees.
What Are the Biggest Universities in Mississippi?
The biggest universities in Mississippi are Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi, and University of Southern Mississippi. Mississippi State University is the largest university with 22,986 students enrolled for 2020-2021 academic year.
The ranking does not take into account educational institutions whose primary offerings are certificates, associate degrees, or specialized courses in fields such as the arts and music. Other large institutions in Mississippi include Mississippi University for Women and William Carey University.
Largest Mississippi Universities by Enrollment
- Mississippi State University | 22,986
- University of Mississippi | 21,014
- University of Southern Mississippi | 14,606
- Jackson State University | 6,921
- William Carey University | 5,472
Mississippi University Rankings: What Are the Top 10 Universities in Mississippi?
| Ranking | School | City | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Mississippi | Mississippi | 68% |
| 2 | Mississippi State University | Starkville | 60% |
| 3 | William Carey University | Hattiesburg | 60% |
| 4 | Belhaven University | Jackson | 54% |
| 5 | University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg | 52% |
| 6 | Mississippi University For Women | Columbus | 45% |
| 7 | Delta State University | Cleveland | 44% |
| 8 | Alcorn State University | Alcorn | 42% |
| 9 | Jackson State University | Jackson | 39% |
| 10 | Mississippi Valley State University | Itta Bena | 27% |
How We Defined Mississippi University Rankings
Our ranking of the 10 best Mississippi universities is based on the graduation rates of top schools in the state, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In coming up with our list of 10 Mississippi universities, we also consulted rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education, which you can reference in the expanded list below.
The Best Colleges and Universities in Mississippi, Explained
This section gives an overview of the best colleges and universities in Mississippi as well as the best programs they offer. The information gathered here has been sourced from the universities’ official websites.
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Mississippi University Admission Requirements
The admission requirements to attend a university in Mississippi are usually different for both residents and non-residents, especially if it’s a state university. Residents are expected to complete the College Preparatory Curriculum of the state with a specified GPA. Most universities also require standardized test scores.
Admission Requirements for Universities in Mississippi
- College Preparatory Curriculum
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0-3.20
- ACT or SAT test scores
- Letters of recommendation
How to Apply to Mississippi Universities
You can apply to Mississippi universities by going to the website of your desired school, clicking on the apply now button, and filling out the online application. Be prepared to provide the required documents for admissions. You must also pay the application fee as applicable.
Mississippi Universities Admissions Process
- Go to the school’s website, and create an account if required.
- Click on the Apply Now button.
- Fill out the online application form.
- Submit the required documents.
- Pay the application fee.
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Why Study in Mississippi?
You should study in Mississippi because its universities have affordable tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students. The city has a rich cultural background, great facilities, and an affordable cost of living. Many of the universities have on-campus accommodations that are not expensive, making Mississippi the perfect state to gain an affordable college degree.
Tuition
Studying in Mississippi will give you the chance to get a quality education through the Liberal Arts College, law, medicine, and engineering without breaking the bank. The cost of attending a public school is typically far lower than that of private colleges in universities. In addition, if you’re an excellent student, you’ll have a greater chance of getting scholarships, grants, and other financial aid.
Size
Most public universities in Mississippi are established to cater to the people in the State. This means that the campuses are large enough to easily accommodate a large number of students. Since the universities are designed to be large, there are usually enough facilities, such as laboratories, libraries, and hostels for the students. The teacher-to-student ratio is also ideal.
Opportunity
Because of Mississippi’s vast public university system, there are many opportunities for students to connect with other institutions, industries, and federal agencies. Having a larger student body also means more grants, on-campus jobs, internships, and networking opportunities.
More Mississippi University Rankings: What Other Universities Are the Best in Mississippi?
While we used graduation rate to determine our top 10 Mississippi University rankings, there are other features to consider that set the state’s universities apart from each other. Some of these special features include state facilities, special benefits arranged by the school for students in certain programs, and online availability.
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Top Mississippi Universities by Major
Mississippi universities offer a wide range of courses from computer science to nursing and political science. This section gives an overview of the top Mississippi universities by major and what makes them stand out from other universities that offer the same majors.
Tuition Costs for Mississippi Universities
According to the NCES, in-state students in Mississippi public universities pay an estimated tuition cost of $19,080. Out-of-state students paid around $19,402 at public universities. On the other hand, the estimated tuition for private universities costs $27,219. These estimates were lifted from the data of the 2019-2020 enrollment period.
Most Affordable Universities in Mississippi
- Alcorn State University | Tuition: $8,176/Year. Alcorn State University offers several cheap degree programs. Undergraduate students in this school pay tuition fees of $8,176/year. Graduate students pay $7,785/year.
- Jackson State University | Tuition: $8,445 /Year. The in-state tuition at Jackson State University costs $8,445/year, while out-of-state tuition costs $9,445/year. For graduate students, tuition expenses are the same at $8,270/year.
- Delta State University | Tuition: $8,360/Year. The estimated tuition for students taking an undergraduate degree program in Delta State University is $8,360/year. Graduate students pay a tuition cost of $8,190/year.
- University of Mississippi | Tuition: $9,044/Year. Undergraduate degrees for the 2021-2022 session cost $9,044/year for in-state students and $25,886/year for out-of-state students. For graduate degrees, out-of-state students pay $25,782/year, while Mississippi residents pay $8,938/year.
- Mississippi State University | Tuition: $9,220/Year. In-state students taking undergraduate programs pay around $9,220/year, while out-of-state students pay $24,900/year. Mississippi State University has different tuition for in-district students, in-state students, and out-of-state students for graduate degrees.
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Financial Aid Options for the Best Universities in Mississippi
Not everybody can afford the price of going to a university in Mississippi despite subsidized tuition rates. That’s why financial aid options exist and they can be in the form of scholarships, grants, or loans. In this section, learn more about the financial aid options available to students in Mississippi.
Financial Aid for Mississippi Universities: A Summary
- Mississippi State Promise Program. Full-time Mississippi residents pursuing their first degree are eligible for the Mississippi State Promise Program. Students with a 3.0 high school GPA and an official ACT composite score of 19 or higher can apply for the program. Transfer students are also eligible provided they meet the set requirements.
- Grants. A grant is a sort of financial assistance that does not need to be repaid, with a few exceptions. Mississippi state grants include Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG) and Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG).
- Scholarships. Scholarships are available from a wide variety of private and public organizations. This form of financial aid is free and it’s sometimes granted to students based on academic merit, specific area of study, and talent.
- Loans. Taking out a student loan means you are borrowing money to pay for your education. You are responsible for repaying the loan, including its accrued interest. Loans can be from the federal government of private organizations.
Mississippi University Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies for Financial Aid at Mississippi Universities?
- Mississippi residency
- 2.5 to 3.0 and above GPA
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Full-time enrollment in a program
- Students with financial needs or whose parents or family members were veterans
Private Mississippi Universities With Good Financial Aid
- William Carey University. This university has a dedicated page for financial aid qualifications. It offers scholarships, loans, and grants.
- Belhaven University. The school allows incoming or current students to apply for federal loans or scholarships. Students are encouraged to fill the form for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other state student aid programs.
- Strayer University. Strayer University is a participant in a number of different financial aid programs. The school ensures that students go through counseling on how to handle their loans and their repayment.
Universities in Mississippi That Provide Financial Aid to Out-of-State Students
- Mississippi State University. Scholarships ranging from 50 percent to 100 percent are available to first-year non-resident students at this university. It also offers Community College Transfer Non-resident Scholarship for students with a cumulative 3.0 GPA or better and with at least 48 transferable hours of coursework.
- University of Southern Mississippi. The federal government is the primary source of education funding in this university. The financial aid is accessible to all students of the University of Southern Mississippi.
- Mississippi University for Women. This school’s Financial Aid Center provides students with financial aid programs regardless of their residency.
How to Apply For Financial Aid and Scholarships for Mississippi State Universities
- Make sure you’re admitted into a state university.
- Access your MyState account.
- Submit or revise your general scholarship application in the respective field on the Financial Aid and Scholarships section.
- Find the financial aid opportunities that are suitable for you.
Demographics of Universities in Mississippi
The demographics of universities in Mississippi primarily consist of white students, according to NCES. This is followed by Black, Hispanic, and Asian students. Pacific Islander, American Indian, and individuals of two or more races comprise the remaining population.
Diversity Statistics for Universities in Mississippi
- White: 56.8%
- Black: 36.1%
- Hispanic: 2.8%
- Asian: 1.7%
- Pacific Islander: 0.1%
- American Indian: 0.5%
- Two or More Races: 2.0%
Mississippi Employment Outlook for University Students
According to the most recent data provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Mississippi has over 1.1 million civilian workforce. These professionals work for a median hourly wage of $17. In addition, the statistics show that health workers earn the highest among occupations in Mississippi.
5 In-Demand Mississippi Jobs
This section contains some of the most in-demand jobs in Mississippi based on the job outlook and salary range. We provide a short description of these jobs and the best Mississippi University programs you can pursue to attain these careers.
Is a University in Mississippi Right for You?
Yes, a university in Mississippi is the right choice for you. The tuition is affordable and the facilities to aid learning and comfort are abundant in these academic institutions. The schools also have online programs for those who can’t attend physically. However, if you cannot afford a degree yet, you may also explore other learning options.
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Best Universities in Mississippi FAQ
Yes, there are good colleges in Mississippi. University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University have the highest graduation rate in the state, and they also have great courses and average admission rates. These are also some of the larger universities in Mississippi.
Mississippi State University is the best university in Mississippi with its diverse programs and curriculum. It’s also the best university for engineering programs in the state.
Yes, living in Mississippi is great. The state places a lot of emphasis on culture and there are many tourist sites you can visit in its cities.
Yes, you can get financial aid as an out-of-state student. Mississippi State University, University of Southern Mississippi, and Mississippi University for Women are only a few schools that provide financial aid to out-of-state students.
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