Best Colleges in Mississippi

Mississippi College Guide – What You Need to Know

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The State of Mississippi has eight publicly funded Universities located across the state from the Delta region to North East Mississippi. Overall, Mississippi’s colleges and universities are among the strongest academic institutions in the entire southern region of the US. Mississippi State University in Starkville Mississippi is the state’s land grant college. It has a long history of leadership in the fields of agriculture and applied science. It is the largest campus in the state and it has an expansive international student program. The University of Mississippi or ‘Ole Miss’ is the flagship school in the state. Delta State located in Cleveland is in Mississippi’s Delta region.

Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi is a Historically Black College and is the official Urban University of the State of Mississippi. Alcorn State is the oldest HBCU in the nation. Tougaloo College, ranked as one the best values in education in Mississippi, is a private historically Black College and is a top-rated school for science and engineering. The Mississippi College for Women is a leading school for nursing.

mississippi_map_university.png

What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Mississippi?

Mississippi students have a wide range of majors and professional training. Business, healthcare, nursing, and natural sciences are the leading majors based on the types of degrees conferred. They reflect in majors like Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Chemistry, Elementary Education, and Teaching. Many students choose majors with a view towards entering a particular field after graduation. Business majors rank among the best-paid graduates.

Top degrees in Mississippi include:

How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree in Mississippi

The impact of education on income is significant. Incomes rise directly with the level of education. Recent studies have highlighted some of the important differences. A bachelor degree holder earns an average of $17,500 more per year than a high school graduate. Over the course of a lifetime of earnings, college graduates earn about one million dollars more than those with a high school diploma or GED.

Bachelor degree holders also get a wider range of opportunities for promotion including entry into higher-paying occupations and brand new industries. A degree combines with work experience to produce superior earnings, a wide range of promotional opportunities, and access to emerging sectors driven by technology and innovation.

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment

Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Mississippi

Mississippi has a long tradition of agriculture. It is a physically large state with vital access to waterways and the Gulf of Mexico. The economy has evolved and diversified through a mix of manufacturing and high-tech hubs. The growth trends include electronics and automobiles. The demand for graduates with degrees in business is strong, and so too are the health professions, teaching, and finance occupations.

Top Business Management Careers and Salaries

  • Buyers and Purchasing Agents carry out purchases and contracts to meet the organization's needs for supplies and inventory. These skilled professionals must work markets and achieve the most advantageous purchasing arrangements.
  • Compliance Officers manage processes within companies or organizations that meet reporting requirements. Compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and financial reporting requirements is needed to stay within the rules that govern the organization and its activities.
  • Human Resources Specialists help recruit needed talent and retain key personnel. They oversee reward and benefits programs, employee development, training, and education.
  • Management Analysts perform analysis and gather information to make organization processes and functions more efficient. They perform critical assessments and provide continuous improvements.
  • Accountants and Auditors ensure that the books of the organization meet generally accepted accounting principles for organizing financial information. These skilled professionals issue official reports and confirm the accuracy of essential items like income, expenses, and reserves.
CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED ANNUAL SALARY
Buyers and Purchasing Agents 2,150 $49,400
Compliance Officers 2,030 $69,700
Human Resources Specialists 3,060 $51,500
Management Analysts 1,730 $67,500
Accountants and Auditors 5,780 $57,400

Best Mississippi Schools for Business and Management

  • Mississippi State University
  • University of Mississippi
  • Mississippi College
  • Millsaps College
  • University of Southern Mississippi

Top Education Careers and Salaries

  • Elementary School Teachers help students transition between early learning years and the years when they’ll be expected to start learning on their own time and choosing a career.
  • Substitute Teachers maintain the consistency of a student’s learning, filling in when the regular teachers are unavoidably kept from their jobs.
  • Librarians, the keepers of knowledge are there to assist students in their learning endeavors.
  • High school teachers help students figure out what they want to study in college, teaching them more in-depth studies than they have learned before.
  • Health Specialties Teachers Post-secondary provide instruction in major fields of health studies to college students.
CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED ANNUAL SALARY
Elementary School Teachers 12,340 $46,400
Substitute Teachers 7,690 $29,200
Librarians 1,370 $50,800
High School Teachers 8,850 $50,300
Health Specialties Teachers, Post-secondary 1,720 $97,300

Best Mississippi Schools for Education

  • Mississippi State University
  • University of Mississippi
  • William Carey University
  • University of Southern Mississippi
  • Mississippi College

Top Health Professions Careers and Salaries

  • Physician Assistants can perform many of the diagnostic and treatment functions of a medical doctor. In managed care settings, they can provide primary medical care and referrals to specialists.
  • Registered Nurses are the primary source of patient care in hospitals, care facilities, and skilled nursing homes. They supervise the work of Nurse Assistants and Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurses.
  • Respiratory Therapists provide therapy to patients with pulmonary damage from disease, occupations, or genetic conditions. They help restore lung and pulmonary capacity
  • Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) perform emergency medical care in emergency settings such as accidents and catastrophic events. They often work at the scene of an event along with police and firefighters. They assess patient conditions and provide immediate treatment, aid, and transport to medical facilities.
  • Nurse Practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse licensed in nursing and nursing specializations. Nurse practitioners can perform many of the roles of a Physician Assistant as well as nursing functions.
CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED ANNUAL SALARY
Physician Assistant 160 $97,900
Registered Nurse 29,550 $65,500
Respiratory Therapist 1,530 $56,700
Nurse Practitioner 3,390 $97,600
Emergency Medical Technician 2,320 $40,600

Best Mississippi Schools for Health Professions

  • Delta State University
  • Mississippi State University
  • University of Southern Mississippi
  • Mississippi College
  • Mississippi University for Women

Top Humanities Careers and Salaries

  • Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors provide expert counseling and guidance services to the groups within their responsibilities including students at all levels.
  • Rehabilitation Counselors provide therapy and support for persons with physical, emotional, and psychological conditions. Some rehabilitation counselors specialize in personal effects of disabilities on employment and other life functions.
  • Healthcare Social Workers work with communities and groups to promote health and prevention.
  • Social Workers work in a wide variety of settings in government, private companies, and public interest organizations.
  • Directors of Religious Activities and Education oversee programs for education, training, and public service. They combine skills and knowledge of organizational behavior with faith-based structures.
CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED ANNUAL SALARY
Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors 1,960 $52,100
Rehabilitation Counselors 460 $45,700
Healthcare Social Workers 1,320 $55,400
Social Workers, All Other 370 $48,100
Directors, Religious Activities and Education 40 $41,000

Best Mississippi Schools for Humanities

  • Belhaven University
  • Millsaps College
  • Tougaloo College
  • University of Mississippi
  • Rust College

Top Natural Sciences Careers and Salaries

  • Soil and Plant Scientists interpret soils and coil conditions as agricultural and other resources.
  • Conservation Scientists study methods to sustain natural resources through reduction of waste and inefficiency.
  • Foresters provide expertise to research, study, and manage forest resources.
  • Physical Scientists research and study the chemical and energy properties of all types of matter.
CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED ANNUAL SALARY
Soil and Plant Scientists 70 $58,700
Conservation Scientists 840 $54,300
Foresters 9,510 $52,200
Physical Scientists, All Other 310 $81,200

Best Mississippi Schools for Natural Sciences

  • Alcorn State University
  • Mississippi University for Women
  • Mississippi State University
  • University of Mississippi
  • University of Southern Mississippi
  • Millsaps College
  • Jackson State University
Want to See All the Mississippi Occupational Wage Averages

The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Mississippi

Occupation Projected Growth Average Wage 2024 Jobs
Physical Therapist Assistant 32.9% $47,650 1,130
Industrial Mechanic 28.7% $47,800 4,440
Physical Therapist 28.5% $89,270 2,030
Nurse Practitioner 28.3% $99,880 2,810
Software Developer 21.7% $91,580 1,010
Emergency Medical Tech 18.8% $35,330 2,470
Preschool Teacher 17.9% $28,950 3,090
Phlebotomist 17.7% $27,960 1,000

Best Associate Degrees in Mississippi

Best Associate Degrees in Mississippi
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Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to enter the workforce immediately after graduation by choosing one of these top, two-year degree programs in Mississippi. These affordable higher education options include some of the best associate degrees available in the state. Whether you plan to seek employment right away or intend to transfer your general education credits to another institution, you will be ready to achieve all your academic and career goals.

Concorde Career College-Southaven
College Type
2-year, Private for-Profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
342		 Graduation Rate
69%		 Net Price
$23,818
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,113		 Graduation Rate
50%		 Net Price
$5,273
East Mississippi Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,832		 Graduation Rate
47%		 Net Price
$6,951
Itawamba Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,768		 Graduation Rate
46%		 Net Price
$5,733
Southwest Mississippi Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,128		 Graduation Rate
44%		 Net Price
$4,905
East Central Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,419		 Graduation Rate
41%		 Net Price
$5,551
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
8,954		 Graduation Rate
38%		 Net Price
$7,433
Holmes Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
5,529		 Graduation Rate
37%		 Net Price
$4,977
Meridian Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,402		 Graduation Rate
36%		 Net Price
$6,247
Mississippi Delta Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,516		 Graduation Rate
35%		 Net Price
$2,409
Full Ranking Report

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Mississippi

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Mississippi
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The state of Mississippi offers some great four-year bachelor’s degree programs. No matter what career field you are most interested in, you can earn the education you need to be successful after graduation. Choosing to enroll in one of the highest rated bachelor’s programs in your state will give you an edge when applying for jobs or advanced degree programs in the future. Graduates gain the knowledge and skills to achieve all their academic and/or career goals in no time.

Millsaps College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
820		 Graduation Rate
72%		 Net Price
$24,457
University of Mississippi
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
21,617		 Graduation Rate
66%		 Net Price
$14,672
Mississippi State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
22,226		 Graduation Rate
61%		 Net Price
$16,471
Mississippi College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,733		 Graduation Rate
57%		 Net Price
$18,040
Belhaven University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,574		 Graduation Rate
50%		 Net Price
$17,840
Tougaloo College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
716		 Graduation Rate
50%		 Net Price
$12,590
University of Southern Mississippi
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
14,133		 Graduation Rate
49%		 Net Price
$14,485
Blue Mountain College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
821		 Graduation Rate
48%		 Net Price
$12,195
William Carey University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
5,040		 Graduation Rate
47%		 Net Price
$10,397
Alcorn State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,523		 Graduation Rate
41%		 Net Price
$13,907
Full Ranking Report

Best Master's Degrees in Mississippi

Best Master's Degrees in Mississippi
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Mississippi has a variety of great master’s degrees available for students seeking advanced knowledge and training in a wide variety of fields. There are also many top doctoral degree programs in the state, which are ideal for those interested in research and education. These exceptional opportunities make it easier for graduates to earn higher incomes, receive promotions, and become valuable assets in any line of work.

Millsaps College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
41		 Graduation Rate
72%		 Net Price
$24,457
University of Mississippi
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,467		 Graduation Rate
66%		 Net Price
$14,672
Mississippi State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,434		 Graduation Rate
61%		 Net Price
$16,471
Mississippi College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,789		 Graduation Rate
57%		 Net Price
$18,040
Belhaven University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,205		 Graduation Rate
50%		 Net Price
$17,840
Tougaloo College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
8		 Graduation Rate
50%		 Net Price
$12,590
University of Southern Mississippi
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,539		 Graduation Rate
49%		 Net Price
$14,485
Blue Mountain College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
20		 Graduation Rate
48%		 Net Price
$12,195
William Carey University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,830		 Graduation Rate
47%		 Net Price
$10,397
Alcorn State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
454		 Graduation Rate
41%		 Net Price
$13,907
Full Ranking Report

Best Online Degree Colleges in Mississippi (Distance Learning Only)

Are you interested in earning a degree but unable to take time off from work to attend classes on campus? Maybe you need an advanced degree to qualify for promotion in your industry. You can gain the knowledge and skills you need to be successful from one of these great online degree options in the state. There are numerous online degrees available in Mississippi. Regardless of fields of interest, students can choose from two-year, four-year, graduate, and doctoral-level distance learning programs.

Colorado Technical University
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Student Population
27,232		 Graduation Rate
26%		 Net Price
$16,260
Purdue
College Type
4-year, Public		 Student Population
38,138		 Graduation Rate
27%		 Net Price
NA
Southern New Hampshire University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Student Population
113,514		 Graduation Rate
44%		 Net Price
$39,743
Western Governors University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Student Population
136,139		 Graduation Rate
21%		 Net Price
$7,785
Capella University
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Student Population
37,859		 Graduation Rate
NA		 Net Price
$17,368
Walden University
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Student Population
48,420		 Graduation Rate
33%		 Net Price
NA

Cost of Mississippi College Education & Salaries

As with most states, Mississippi public colleges and universities charge lower rates for Mississippi residents than out-of-state students. Private schools tend to charge the same prices to all students. The policy of in-state tuition versus out-of-state fees is that state residents support the public university system with income taxes, property taxes, and sales taxes.

Students must qualify for aid through the FAFSA and attend accredited schools in Mississippi. In addition to grants and scholarships, students can qualify for work-study and loan forgiveness programs when studying certain high demand fields like nursing and teaching.

When considering the costs of education in Mississippi, students must be aware of extra costs, such as housing, food, books, and equipment. Many colleges and universities carefully advise that the costs of on-campus or off-campus living may involve some general costs. These estimates may range in the thousands of dollars. Students should examine advice on added costs. They typically reflect the student experience well and should be considered when arranging financial aid and student budgets.

College Cost Analysis - Mississippi vs. National

Average Mississippi Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $8,100

National – $10,230

Out-of-State – $22,000

National – $26,290

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Federal Aid is a vital source of funds in this era of rising education costs. Educational attainment is an investment in a brighter economic future, the costs of college are part of the investment made by students and their families. Federal grants do not require repayment and, along with state grants, are a preferred source of college funds. Student loans can fill the student’s needs but they require a plan for repayment. Mississippi ranks near the national average in dollars per recipient of federal aid. The state figure is slightly below the national median at $10,082.

Financial Aid Mississippi Nationally
Received Federal Grants 44% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $10,082 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a post-secondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Scholarships for Mississippi

Mississippi has an extensive program to prepare students for college and to support them with grants and scholarships. The state has four programs that operate to reach nearly every student. Some are merit-based while all have needs as a basic criterion. Students must qualify for the state programs by succeeding in high school as students that can manage a core curriculum of math, science, reading, and language. They must complete the core coursework and obtain sufficient scores on the standardized tests to qualify for the grants and scholarships offered through by Mississippi.

The State of Mississippi is a source of grant and scholarship funds for students that reside in Mississippi and seek to attend a public or private college or university in the state. The colleges and universities each offer scholarships and many have needs-based selection criteria. Scholarships are important to students that cannot easily pay the costs of college education. Grants and scholarships do not add to the student’s educational debt.

GUM_logo

GUM

Gear Up Mississippi

https://www.msfinancialaid.org/
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: March 31
Students that participate in the GEAR UP high school program (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) can qualify for the GEAR UP Scholarship. The application period is January 1 through March 31. The general qualifications are Mississippi residency with a custodial parent or guardian that is also a state resident. Applicants must have clear criminal records and participation in the GEAR UP in grades 9-12. Applicants must be Pell grant eligible and graduated from a GEAR UP high School.

MTAG

Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant

https://www.msfinancialaid.org/mtag/
Amount: $500-$1,000
Deadline: September 15
This state grant may be reduced by other financial aid received by the student. The first-year award is $500 and the second, third, and fourth year provide $1,000. The total eligibility is four years or eight semesters. The eligibility standards require Mississippi residence for one year prior to application, a 2.5 GPA or better, attendance or enrollment at an accredited and approved college or university. Students must qualify for less than the full Pell grant. Students must complete the online application for each academic and submit documentation to prove residency.

HELP

Higher Education Legislative Plan for Needy Students

https://www.msfinancialaid.org/help/
Amount: Tuition and Required fees at a Public Institution and equivalent for Private schools.
Deadline: March 31
Eligible applicants may be high school seniors or current college students. All applicants must be Mississippi residents for the year prior to the application. All applicants must be within one year of high school graduation. The award may be renewable for eight semesters or completion of a bachelor’s degree. New applicants must apply through the FAFSA.

MESG

Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant

https://www.msfinancialaid.org/mesg/
Amount: Up to $2,500
Deadline: September 15
Applicants must be legal residents of the State of Mississippi for one year prior to high school graduation. Applicants must have a high school cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5. If home-schooled, then applicants must submit a signed transcript of 9th through 12th-grade equivalence.

Applicants must score a minimum of a 29 on the National ACT or 1350 on the SAT. They can also qualify by achieving National Merit or National Achievement Finalist or Semi-Finalist status and they must enroll full-time at an approved post-secondary institution in Mississippi in a program of study leading to their first bachelor’s degree.

Award winners must attend an approved post-secondary institution in Mississippi. They must enroll in a program of study leading to a first associate or bachelor’s degree. Applicants must be enrolled full-time and maintain full-time enrollment, with passing grades during each semester. Full-time enrollment is 15 hours per semester or nine hours per trimester. College level applicants must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative college GPA on at least 12 completed college hours, but no more than 18 completed college hours.

NISS

Nissan Scholarship

https://www.msfinancialaid.org/nissan/
Amount: Full tuition Fees and Books
Deadline: March 1
The awards can run four two or four years for an associate or bachelor’s degree. Applicants must complete the FAFSA, prove residency in Mississippi, and recipients must attend a two-year or four-year college. The program awards students that seek their first degree. Students must write an essay describing future intentions to use education to promote the automobile manufacturing industry in the state of Mississippi.

TMLEOFSP

The Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers and Fireman Scholarship Program

https://www.msfinancialaid.org/law/
Amount: Full tuition, housing, and required fees.
Deadline: September 15
The state of Mississippi will pay the full college costs of a dependent child or spouse of any state law enforcement officer killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. The student must maintain a 2.5 GPA during each term of enrollment. The recipient must enroll on a full-time basis at any public college or university in a two-year or four-year degree program. The program can also work for existing college students and first-year college students. The program will pay nearly all the tuition and expenses for up to eight semesters of attendance. The funding must end with eight semesters or the completion of a bachelor’s degree.

TMS_logo

TMS

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc. Scholarship

https://www.ffa.org/participate/grants-and-scholarships/local-engagement-programs-scholarships/
Amount: $2,500 (10 Awards)
Deadline: February 6
The program supports students pursuing a four-year degree in agricultural engineering or agricultural science/technology. Residents of Mississippi are eligible and must provide proof of residence. The selection criteria emphasize activity in community and extracurricular activities. Students must complete the financial analysis. The program will favor those with the greatest financial need. The level of need can add selection weight If the major criteria between potential applicants are roughly equal.

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