Navigating Higher Education in Mississippi: A Comprehensive Ranking of Colleges and Universities
Mississippi, home to a diverse range of higher education institutions, offers students a variety of academic environments, from large public universities to small private colleges with religious affiliations. Many of these institutions are strategically located in the capital city of Jackson. For prospective students, understanding the landscape of colleges and universities in Mississippi is crucial for making informed decisions about their academic future. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the top colleges and universities in Mississippi, incorporating rankings, key features, and unique aspects of each institution.
Evaluating Colleges in Mississippi: Key Factors
When evaluating colleges and universities, several factors come into play. School quality, student outcomes, and return on investment (ROI) are paramount. Data points such as retention rate, selectivity, endowment per student, student-faculty ratio, median earnings, and cost of attendance provide valuable insights into the overall quality and value of an institution.
Top National Universities in Mississippi
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
- Location: Oxford
- National Ranking: #169
- Undergraduate Enrollment (Fall 2024): 21,585
- Four-Year Graduation Rate: 57%
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $10,150
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $30,310
The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is a public institution founded in 1848. As the flagship university of the state, Ole Miss boasts a rich history of producing leaders in public service, academics, and innovative research. With over 21,500 students, it is the largest university in Mississippi, featuring a major medical school, a nationally recognized law school, and 15 academic divisions. Ole Miss is recognized for its strong academic programs, including a liberal arts college with more than 30 departments and an accountancy school consistently ranked among the nation’s top 10. The university's Honors College has been named one of America's finest. Ole Miss also has a competitive football program. The university utilizes a semester-based academic calendar and accepts the Common Application with a test-optional admissions policy. Forty-four percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, with an average net price for federal loan recipients of $13,504. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $45,336. The university is ranked No. 92 in Top Public Schools and No. 155 in Best Value Schools.
Mississippi State University
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- Location: Starkville
- National Ranking: #208
- Undergraduate Enrollment (Fall 2024): 18,567
- Four-Year Graduation Rate: 46%
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $10,604
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $28,736
Mississippi State University is recognized as a top college to work for by the Chronicle of Higher Education. It has produced prominent figures, including 4 of the 9 justices currently on the Mississippi Supreme Court, as well as the current quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, Dak Prescott.
University of Southern Mississippi
- Location: Hattiesburg
- National Ranking: #318
- Undergraduate Enrollment (Fall 2024): 10,193
- Four-Year Graduation Rate: 34%
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $9,998
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $11,998
The University of Southern Mississippi takes pride in its traditions. These traditions include the marching band performing “Amazing Grace” after the final home football game, an annual celebration of the school’s founding on March 30th, and a holiday party where students can take pictures with both Santa and Seymour the eagle, the school’s mascot.
Mississippi College
- Location: Clinton
- National Ranking: #358
- Undergraduate Enrollment (Fall 2024): 2,706
- Four-Year Graduation Rate: 54%
- Tuition and Fees: $21,698
Mississippi College has a history of innovation: it is the oldest college in Mississippi, the second-oldest Baptist college in the country, and the first coeducational American college to grant degrees to women.
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Jackson State University
- Location: Jackson
- National Ranking: #363
- Undergraduate Enrollment (Fall 2024): 4,650
- Four-Year Graduation Rate: 19%
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $13,635
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $9,635
Jackson State University is also ranked among the top performers on social mobility.
William Carey University
- Location: Hattiesburg
Belhaven University
- Location: Jackson
- National Ranking: #395-434
Since Belhaven is a Christian liberal arts college, students are both taught in accordance with the Bible and encouraged to broaden their horizons. With 70 areas of study, students can pursue whatever they wish.
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Top National Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi
Millsaps College
- Location: Jackson
- National Ranking: #146
Millsaps College stands out as a top-tier liberal arts institution in Mississippi. From its founding by Methodists in 1890 to its location in Jackson, one of the most important cities during the civil rights movement, Millsaps is surrounded by history. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the nation’s fourth largest St. It is recognized for enrolling and graduating large proportions of disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants. Millsaps has a 43% acceptance rate and an 8:1 student-teacher ratio.
Tougaloo College
- Location: Jackson
- National Ranking: #180
Rust College
- Location: Holly Springs
- National Ranking: #183-201
Top Regional Universities in Mississippi
Blue Mountain Christian University
- Location: Blue Mountain
- Regional Ranking: #16
- Undergraduate Enrollment (Fall 2024): 919
- Four-Year Graduation Rate: 47%
Blue Mountain Christian University is the top regional school in Mississippi. It also ranked No. 18 in the region for Top Performers on Social Mobility. Blue Mountain College was founded in 1873 as a Christian college for women, and although the school began accepting men in 1956, only church-related vocational programs were available to them. The school has an 89% acceptance rate and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio.
Mississippi University for Women
- Location: Columbus
- Regional Ranking: #33
- Undergraduate Enrollment (Fall 2024): 1,962
- Four-Year Graduation Rate: 33%
Founded as a public institution in 1884, Mississippi University for Women is ranked second best regional college in the state. Mississippi University for Women, or “The W,” is, despite its name, a coeducational university, and prides itself on being accessible to everyone-tuition for a full time undergraduate student is under $4,000 per semester.
Alcorn State University
- Location: Lorman
- Regional Ranking: #45
- Undergraduate Enrollment (Fall 2024): 2,532
- Four-Year Graduation Rate: 43%
Delta State University
- Location: Cleveland
- Regional Ranking: #50
- Undergraduate Enrollment (Fall 2024): 1,876
- Four-Year Graduation Rate: 32%
Mississippi Valley State University
- Location: Itta Bena
- Regional Ranking: #117
Other Notable Institutions
Southeastern Baptist College
As an accredited Bible college since 1974, Southeastern Baptist structures its education around a core set of Christian principles.
Considerations for Mississippi Residents
Residents of Mississippi have the opportunity to attend select colleges and universities in nearby states, including Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee, through the Academic Common Market and pay in-state tuition; however, students must complete an approved degree program.
Leveraging Resources for College Selection
To assess the likelihood of acceptance at a particular school, prospective students can utilize a chancing engine. By providing academic and extracurricular profiles, students can gauge their chances of admission and build a balanced school list of safety, target, and reach schools. This strategic approach maximizes the potential for acceptance into a college that aligns with their needs and expectations.
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