Best
Colleges in Mississippi in 2027

Business Administration

A business administration program in Mississippi offers a foundation in organizational leadership and decision-making. Typical courses include accounting, marketing, finance, economics, management, business law, and entrepreneurship. Students develop communication, analytical, and project skills through case studies and internships. Popular choices include Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi, Jackson State University, and the University of Southern Mississippi. Graduates may pursue roles as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, sales representatives, or operations managers.

Psychology

Psychology study in Mississippi covers human behavior, research, and psychological science. Typical courses include introductory psychology, statistics, research methods, developmental and social psychology, abnormal psychology, and cognition. Popular options include the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, Jackson State University, and William Carey University. Bachelor's graduates commonly pursue case management, community-service, human-resources, or research-assistant roles across Mississippi and beyond. Counseling and clinical practice typically require graduate education and appropriate licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Mississippi combines programming, mathematics, and practical problem-solving. Typical coursework includes algorithms, data structures, software engineering, operating systems, databases, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build projects and may pursue internships with regional employers or research labs. Popular choices include Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Jackson State University. Graduates commonly work as software developers, systems analysts, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, or IT support professionals nationwide.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Mississippi combines coursework in counseling theories, human development, ethics, assessment, group counseling, and multicultural practice with supervised fieldwork. Degrees prepare students to support people in schools, mental health clinics, hospitals, centers, and community agencies. Graduates pursue roles such as school counselor, mental-health counselor, substance-use counselor, career counselor, or case manager, depending on degree level and state licensing requirements. Mississippi options include the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, University of Southern Mississippi, Jackson State University, and Mississippi College.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Mississippi combines classroom learning with supervised clinical experience in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Coursework includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, health assessment, maternal-child care, and mental health nursing. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, or public health agencies; some pursue specialties or advanced study. Mississippi options include the University of Mississippi, the University of Southern Mississippi, Alcorn State University, and Mississippi College.

Best Colleges in Mississippi Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying across the ranked colleges is 11,887.0, compared with 28,848.0 at schools in the top 10%.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100.0% of students overall, while the average at top 10% schools is 72.41%.
• The average acceptance rate is 72.41%. Colleges receive an average of 6,064.65 applicants, compared with 18,630.6 applicants at top 10% schools.
• The median number of male applicants is 829.0, while the median number of female applicants is 1,383.0.
• Average SAT and ACT scores are 1,076.82 and 21.86, respectively.
• Colleges enroll an average of 5,446.94 students, including an average of 379.0 men and 549.62 women.
• The average graduation rate is 48.41%, compared with 69.0% at top 10% schools. The median graduation rate is 44.0% for men and 59.0% for women.
• Seven institutions offer associate's degrees, 18 offer bachelor's degrees, 16 offer master's degrees, and 8 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 17 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside acceptance rates, enrollment, degree offerings, and graduation outcomes. The figures show differences between the overall averages and top 10% schools, so consider which factors best fit your educational and financial priorities.

How much does studying at a college in Mississippi cost?

Based on the figures provided, the average total cost of studying in Mississippi is $15,962.78. Average tuition and fees account for $15,189.78, making them the largest reported expense. Your actual bill will depend on the school, residency status, program, and whether you live on campus; checking each college's cost estimate can help you plan confidently.

• Average tuition and fees: $15,189.78.
• Average room and board: $10,385.06.
• Average books and supplies: $1,304.77.
• Mississippi choices include Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Jackson State, and Southern Miss.

Compare in-state rates, scholarships, grants, and payment plans at campuses in Oxford, Starkville, Jackson, or Hattiesburg. Housing and degree programs can change your budget, so request an estimate from your preferred college. The listed expense averages do not add up to the reported total, so treat them as separate benchmarks. Early planning and financial aid can make earning a degree close to home feel achievable.

How long does it take to finish college in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study, while an associate degree usually takes two; part-time enrollment, changing majors, or required prerequisite courses can extend that timeline. Many Mississippi students attend the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, or community colleges, where the exact schedule depends on the program and credits completed.

Graduation outcomes offer useful context: Mississippi's average graduation rate is 48.41%, compared with 69.0% among the top 10% of schools. The average is 45.0% for men and 49.88% for women, showing that completion is possible but planning and support matter.

• Use AP, IB, or dual-enrollment credits from high school; accepted credits can reduce required courses and costs.
• At Ole Miss or Mississippi State, meet an adviser early; planned summer classes may keep your degree on schedule.
• Check community-college transfer, online-course, and prior-learning credit rules before enrolling to potentially avoid lost credits.

Salary

College graduates in Mississippi earn a median alumni salary of about $39,996. At schools in the top 10%, the median is about $51,644 - a difference of roughly $11,649. These figures offer a helpful statewide benchmark, though earnings vary by field, experience, and employer.

Whether you're considering the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, or the University of Southern Mississippi, your degree can help you build skills for a range of career paths. Your eventual salary will depend in part on the program you choose and the opportunities you pursue after graduation.

People also ask

What are the three biggest colleges in Mississippi?

By student enrollment, the three largest are generally the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Mississippi State University, and the University of Southern Mississippi. Ole Miss enrolls roughly 28,000 students, Mississippi State about 23,000, and Southern Miss around 14,000. Numbers change each year, but all three offer a wide range of programs and campus experiences.

How many colleges are there in Mississippi?

The total depends on what counts as a college: public and private universities, community colleges, and career-focused schools may be counted differently. Mississippi has roughly 60 postsecondary institutions under broader counts. For a more focused comparison, the state has eight public universities and 15 public community or junior colleges, alongside private institutions.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Colleges Ranking in Mississippi Ranking in 2026-2027

Tougaloo College is a private historically Black liberal arts college near Jackson, Mississippi, offering a close-knit setting for students seeking a community-centered degree. It enrolls 1,301 students, and its 33% graduation rate suggests applicants should explore academic support and persistence resources. With a 60% acceptance rate, admission is selective but attainable. The listed total study cost is $11,886, while median alumni salary is $30,107. For Mississippi-based students, proximity to Jackson may offer access to internships, culture, and statewide connections.

Mississippi State University, based in Starkville, is a large public research institution known for broad academic offerings and a spirited campus community. Its enrollment of 23,563 gives students many opportunities to connect through coursework, research, and campus activities. The graduation rate is 67% and acceptance rate is 78%. Its total study cost is $27,487; median alumni salary is $44,961. For Mississippians, Starkville offers an in-state college experience with extensive resources and connections across the state and beyond for career growth.

The University of Mississippi, commonly called Ole Miss, is a public university in Oxford with a traditional college-town atmosphere and a wide range of degree programs. It enrolls 26,917 students, making it the largest institution in this group. Its 72% graduation rate and 97% acceptance rate provide context for prospective applicants. The reported total cost of studying is $28,440, and median alumni salary is $46,782. For Mississippi students, Oxford combines campus life, academic options, and access to statewide alumni networks.

The University of Southern Mississippi is a public research university with its main campus in Hattiesburg and additional learning locations. It enrolls 13,191 students and offers a broad campus experience for Mississippi residents considering degrees across many fields. Its 49% graduation rate and 99% acceptance rate are important factors to weigh when comparing schools. The listed total cost of studying is $11,888, and median alumni salary is $40,977. Hattiesburg's location can connect students with regional employers, communities, and local opportunities.

Alcorn State University is a public historically Black university in Lorman, Mississippi, with a rural campus and longstanding educational tradition. It enrolls 2,900 students, offering a smaller setting than the state's largest universities. The graduation rate is 57%, and the acceptance rate is 45%, so applicants should review admission requirements and support. Total study cost is $8,105, the lowest among these five schools, and median alumni salary is $37,047. For Mississippi students, Alcorn may suit those seeking affordability and community.