
14000 Highway 82 W, Itta Bena, MS 38941, USA


Mississippi Valley State University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which authorizes the institution to award bachelor's, master's, and specialist degrees. This accreditation ensures that the university meets rigorous standards in terms of academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and continuous improvement. For prospective students, this recognition confirms that their degrees will be respected by employers and other academic institutions. Additionally, certain programs within the university have received specialized accreditation, reflecting adherence to professional standards in those specific fields.
Mississippi Valley State University requires prospective students to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) or equivalent secondary education. Applicants must submit a secondary school GPA and secondary school record as part of the admission criteria. While recommendations and competency evidence are suggested, they are not mandatory. Admission tests are only partially specified; the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for applicants whose first language is not English, whereas other admission tests are recommended but not obligatory.
The university does not operate with an open admission policy, meaning applicants need to meet the set academic requirements rather than being admitted automatically. Dual credit enrollment from high school students is not accepted; however, applicants can receive credit for college courses already completed and may be awarded AP credits.
The average ACT score of admitted students is 16, which places the university in the bottom 5% nationally in terms of test score levels. Approximately 70% of enrolled students have ACT scores below 17, indicating the university admits students with a broad range of academic preparedness. The acceptance rate stands at about 51%, which is comparatively low and situates the university in the bottom 20% based on acceptance rate percentiles.
In terms of application volume, Mississippi Valley State University receives around 3,411 applications annually, with nearly 51% gaining admission. Enrollment yields approximately 331 students per year. The admitted and enrolled populations show a fairly balanced distribution between women and men, with women comprising a slightly higher percentage of applications and admissions but men having a marginally higher enrollment rate.
Mississippi Valley State University charges an application fee that prospective students must pay when submitting their admissions materials. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications. For students who may face financial barriers, the university provides options to request fee waivers, ensuring that application costs do not impede access to higher education opportunities. Fee waivers are typically granted based on eligibility criteria such as financial need or participation in certain assistance programs. Applicants are encouraged to inquire directly with the admissions office to understand the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a fee waiver.
Mississippi Valley State University hosts an ROTC branch unit on its campus, providing students with opportunities to participate in Reserve Officers' Training Corps activities. This presence allows prospective students interested in military training and leadership development to consider the university as a place where they can engage with ROTC programs directly during their studies.
Mississippi Valley State University accepts transfer students primarily for the fall and spring semesters. Prospective transfer applicants should note that the admissions process is considered moderately difficult, indicating a competitive but accessible pathway for qualified candidates.
The university recognizes and accepts credit from College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests, including both subject-specific and general exams. This acceptance facilitates the transfer of earned academic credit, allowing students to build upon their prior learning and potentially shorten their time to degree completion.
Mississippi Valley State University offers study abroad opportunities designed to enhance students' global awareness and academic experience. Programs typically include short-term faculty-led trips, where students travel alongside professors for immersive learning experiences related to their coursework. These excursions often provide cultural exposure and the chance to engage with international communities directly tied to their fields of study.
Additionally, the university encourages participation in exchange programs and partnerships with institutions overseas, allowing students to spend a semester or more studying in a different country while earning credits toward their degree. These options aim to broaden students' perspectives and prepare them for careers in an increasingly interconnected world.
The university's study abroad initiatives are structured to accommodate a variety of academic schedules and interests, emphasizing both cultural competence and practical application. Advisors work closely with students to help select programs that complement their educational goals and personal development.
Median composite ACT score
16Percent of students submitting ACT scores
70%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
NoOff-campus study
NoROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
NoWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
Data not availablePossible transfer
Fall, Spring