
118 College Drive, Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001, USA


The University of Southern Mississippi features a comprehensive athletics program with a variety of varsity sports teams competing primarily at the NCAA Division I level. The institution supports both men's and women's teams across several disciplines, providing student-athletes with opportunities to participate in competitive sports while pursuing their education.
The university fields men's teams in sports such as football, basketball, baseball, and golf. For women, the athletics program includes basketball, softball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, and cross country, among others. This diverse range of offerings allows students to engage in athletics that suit different skill sets and interests.
Facilities for athletics at the university are equipped to support training and competition. The football team plays in a dedicated stadium designed to accommodate fans and provide a high-quality environment for collegiate football. Other sports benefit from specialized venues, such as basketball arenas and baseball fields, that foster competitive play and team development.
Participation in athletics is supported by coaching staffs focused on both athletic performance and academic success, emphasizing balanced development. The university also encourages campus-wide involvement in sports through fan engagement and community events connected to athletics.
The University of Southern Mississippi offers a variety of student groups and associations catering to diverse interests. Among these, social organizations play a notable role in campus life, with approximately 0.75% of male students and 0.26% of female students involved in such groups.
The University of Southern Mississippi hosts a diverse student body characterized by a broad range of backgrounds, ages, and academic levels. The undergraduate students predominantly fall within the 18 to 21 age group, with nearly 5,300 individuals aged 18 to 21 years, while the graduate population tends to be older, with many students aged 22 and above. Notably, graduate students include a significant number in their late twenties through their fifties, reflecting a mature and varied academic community.
New student enrollment shows strong numbers, with 1,733 freshmen joining for their first year-placing the university in the top 35% nationwide for freshman enrollment size. Transfer students are also notable, totaling 1,315 and ranking it within the top 20% for this category. Overall, the university enrolls more than 3,000 new undergraduate and transfer students combined, positioning it in the top quarter nationally for total incoming undergraduates.
The racial and ethnic composition reveals a particularly high representation of African American students, with 2,734 individuals, which ranks in the top 5% for this demographic. White students also form a substantial section of the population, numbering 5,683, and the university ranks in the top 25% for white student enrollment. Hispanic, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, students identifying with two or more races, and those with unknown race make up smaller but still significant portions of the campus community, reflecting moderate diversity levels.
Regarding student residency, the university enrolls a majority of in-state students, who constitute 72% of the population, a figure slightly above average compared to other institutions. Out-of-state students make up about 21%, which is comparatively lower. The university attracts a substantial share of U. S. domestic students, standing in the top 40% nationally, while its international student representation is relatively high, with about 7% of the student body coming from foreign countries, placing it in the top 30% for attracting global students.
Student life at University of Southern Mississippi offers a variety of opportunities for engagement beyond academics. The campus supports several arts and media outlets, including a campus newspaper, drama productions, a radio station, and a band and chorus, allowing students to explore creative interests and develop talents in diverse areas. Additionally, the university provides access to legal services, a health clinic, psychological counseling, and a veterans affairs office, reflecting a commitment to student well-being and support. A women's center is also available, catering to issues of gender equity and support.
The university maintains a relatively high student-to-faculty ratio of 18, which may impact the classroom experience by limiting close faculty interaction compared to institutions with lower ratios. The total enrollment is over 13,000 students, indicating a moderately large campus community that balances a vibrant social environment with academic resources. Full-time degree-seeking students number nearly 1,700, with a higher proportion of women than men, suggesting varied demographic representation within degree programs.
University of Southern Mississippi's membership in the NCAA highlights active participation in collegiate athletics, potentially enriching campus life with sports events and school spirit. The staff and faculty figures demonstrate a strong full-time presence, which supports both academic and extracurricular activities. Overall, the combination of cultural offerings, student support services, and athletic involvement helps define the student life experience at University of Southern Mississippi.
University of Southern Mississippi offers students access to a total of five libraries, boasting a resource level that places them in the top 10% nationally. The main facility, Cook Memorial Library, is supported by four additional libraries that enrich the academic environment. Together, these libraries provide more than 1.36 million books, a collection size ranking in the top 20% among peer institutions.
The university's libraries also maintain 27,243 subscriptions to various journals and publications, situating their print and electronic periodicals in the upper third nationally. However, the number of digital subscriptions and ebooks is more modest, with digital subscriptions near the median range and ebooks in the lower third percentile.
Students benefit from 200 databases accessible through the university's system, which offers an average breadth of research tools. Physical facilities, digital access, and secure study rooms are all available to support different studying preferences. While the libraries do not offer all-day access, they maintain established hours totaling 117 hours per week. Trained staff and access to shared collections further enhance the research experience at University of Southern Mississippi.
Total enrollment
13170Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
1693Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
685 full time, 144 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Cook Memorial LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
5Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes