Best Colleges in Mississippi 2026

Badge for BEST IN MISSISSIPPI COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Best Colleges and Universities in Mississippi

  1. University of Mississippi
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
  2. Mississippi State University
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
  3. Jackson State University
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
  4. University of Southern Mississippi
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
  5. Tougaloo College
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
  6. Alcorn State University
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
  7. Mississippi College
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
  8. Millsaps College
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
  9. Mississippi University for Women
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
  10. Delta State University
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1

Key Takeaways

  • Fifteen schools in Mississippi meet our criteria for the best colleges and universities in the state.
  • Students attending one of the top Mississippi colleges will be taught by some of the most influential professors in the world.
  • Pursuing a degree at a public university in Mississippi is one of the most affordable options for a higher education in the state.

Colleges and Universities in Mississippi

The majority of the learning institutes in Mississippi are public schools, with the University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, being the largest. This university, located in Oxford, boasts alumni like William Faulkner, John Grisham, and James Meredith. Tuition at Ole Miss runs about $9,000, just below the national average.

The eight private colleges, all of which have religious affiliations, range in tuition costs from $10,000 at Rust College to $40,000 at Millsaps College.

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Students who attend these schools have the option to pursue degrees in fields like nursing, business, dentistry, Christian ministry, education, and literature. Additionally, all of these private schools are considered small schools, serving under 5,000 students.

Mississippi also offers up to $12,000 of undergraduate loan forgiveness, over the course of four years, for teachers who work in designated shortage areas or who teach in critical shortage subjects, like special education or mathematics.


What are Mississippi’s Colleges & Universities?

Mississippi’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

We’ve identified 15 colleges and universities in Mississippi that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in Mississippi below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Mississippi.

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Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024

  1. #1

    University of Mississippi

    University , MS

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Mississippi

    Cost of Degree: $9,412
    Expenses: $19,540
    Starting Salary: $59,112
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Mississippi is a public research university in Oxford, Mississippi. It is the state’s oldest public university and the second largest based on enrollment.

    What We Love About the University of Mississippi

    The school is known for its very caring community, offering a supportive environment that allows students to grow their skills, deepen their knowledge, and prepare to achieve a fulfilling life.

    The University of Mississippi is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for top-notch education in a relaxed and caring environment.

    The University of Mississippi might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are outspoken and liberal, as conservatism is very strong in the school.

  2. #2

    Mississippi State University

    Mississippi State , MS

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,815
    Expenses: $19,639
    Starting Salary: $54,296
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Mississippi State University sits in the historic town of Starkville, voted as the South’s Best Small Town according to USA Today. MSU is also home to one of the most unique traditions in college sports: the cowbell.

    What We Love About Mississippi State University

    MSU makes everybody feel like they’re at home. Everyone is friendly, and students are never left out.

    Mississippi State University is good for students who:

    Are you looking for an affordable college with the best return on educational investment.

    Mississippi State University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are interested in just a good time considering the school is not a party school.

  3. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    945/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Jackson State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,795
    Expenses: $23,898
    Starting Salary: $42,075
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Jackson State University is a historically Black university in Jackson, Mississippi. This public university is one of the biggest HBCUs in the country and the fourth-largest school in the entire state.

    What We Love About Jackson State University

    Jackson State University has affordable tuition, a large student body, and an outstanding academic reputation.

    Jackson State University is ideal for students who:

    Want to push their education and strongly believe in the importance of education.

    Jackson State University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are not prepared to work hard and have very poor time management skills.

    Jackson State University’s Online Degrees

    BST in Technology-Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Childcare And Family Education
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
  4. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    15K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern Mississippi

    Cost of Degree: $9,618
    Expenses: $17,484
    Starting Salary: $47,355
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Southern Mississippi is a public university located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. This research school awards bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.

    What We Love About the University of Southern Mississippi

    The school is a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university and holds the distinction of being one of the country’s leading research institutions.

    The University of Southern Mississippi is ideal for students who:

    Love a smaller town living as this is a great place to transition from living with parents to being on their own.

    The University of Southern Mississippi might not be a good fit for students who:

    Do not do good around a group of people.

    University of Southern Mississippi’s Online Degrees

    BSBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Construction Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BAS in Applied Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2. years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Elementary Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Teacher Assistant
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: 2 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BLS in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Library And Information Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Philosophy
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Public Health
    Degree Concentrations
    • Allied Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Medical Laboratory Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Mlt To Mls
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Child And Family Sciences
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Industrial Engineering Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Logistics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
  5. #5

    Mississippi College

    Clinton , MS

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    29%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi College

    Cost of Degree: $21,698
    Expenses: $19,667
    Starting Salary: $54,122
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Mississippi College is the oldest university in Mississippi. This private Baptist university is also the second-oldest Baptist-affiliate school in the United States.

    What We Love About Mississippi College

    Mississippi College offers exceptional academic programs, expert staff, and opportunities for clubs and community involvement in a nurturing faith-based environment.

    Mississippi College is ideal for students who:

    Are fun, kind, and outgoing from a Christian background.

    Mississippi College might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are not Christians or those who don’t want anything to do with religion.

    Mississippi College’s Online Degrees

    BSBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 130
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Loss Prevention
    • Required Credits: 130
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 130
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Paralegal Studies
    • Required Credits: 130
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Communication
    • Required Credits: 130
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: 12 months
    • Format: Fully online
  6. #6

    Tougaloo College

    Tougaloo , MS

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tougaloo College

    Cost of Degree: $10,735
    Expenses: $13,384
    Starting Salary: $41,624
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Tougaloo College is a historically Black college in Tougaloo, Mississippi. This private school is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and Christian Church.

    What We Love About Tougaloo College

    Tougaloo College has a very loving and welcoming environment with wonderful professors.

    Tougaloo College is ideal for students who:

    Love to be around other people and like to engage in fun activities and community service.

    Tougaloo College might not be a good fit for students who:

    Do not like small schools or being in a small community-like environment.

  7. #7

    Alcorn State University

    Alcorn State , MS

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    834/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Alcorn State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,549
    Expenses: $15,195
    Starting Salary: $40,721
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Alcorn State University known for?

    Alcorn State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Alcorn State University is a public land-grant university that sits adjacent to Lorman, Mississippi. This historically Black institution was the very first Black land grant college in the US.

    What We Love About Alcorn State University

    Alcorn State University has a great family atmosphere. From freshman orientation to senior commencement students, everybody makes everyone feel at home.

    Alcorn State University is good for students who:

    Want a school that has a warm community-based and family environment.

    Alcorn State University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are close-minded because Alcorn is a school of new ideas in every corner.

    Alcorn State University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 122-124
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Child Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
  8. #8

    Millsaps College

    Jackson , MS

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1087/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Millsaps College

    Cost of Degree: $43,815
    Expenses: $16,652
    Starting Salary: $65,503
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Millsaps College is a private liberal arts college located in Jackson, Mississippi. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

    What We Love About Millsaps College

    Millsaps is an excellent school surrounded by very friendly people. They have what is called the “Southern Hospitality” thing going.

    Millsaps College is ideal for students who:

    Are serious about their schoolwork because the workload tends to get demanding.

    Millsaps College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Want to attend a large school because the average student body is somewhere between 1100 and 1200.

  9. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi University for Women

    Cost of Degree: $8,092
    Expenses: $14,787
    Starting Salary: $52,685
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Mississippi University for Women known for?

    Mississippi University for Women’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Mississippi University for Women was formerly named the Industrial Institute and College for the Education of White Girls. In 1982, the school began to admit men and presently make up 23% of the student body.

    What We Love About Mississippi University for Women

    The school is noted for its good education. Everybody immediately lands a job right after they complete school.

    Mississippi University for Women is ideal for students who:

    Want a well-rounded education and those who support their peers and teachers.

    Mississippi University for Women might not be a good fit for students who:

    Don’t like to join social clubs, knowing the school has plenty of these.

    Mississippi University for Women’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Business
    • Healthcare Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Management
    • Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BAS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Business
    • Healthcare Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Legal Administration
    • Management
    • Culinary Management
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Format: Fully online
    BAS in Business Administration Management Information Systems
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Early Childhood Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Public Health Education
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Format: Fully online
    BAS in Public Health Education
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Format: Fully online
  10. #10

    Delta State University

    Cleveland , MS

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1067/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Delta State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,605
    Expenses: $13,927
    Starting Salary: $44,639
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Delta State University known for?

    Delta State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi is a public university. It provides an undergraduate curriculum, and 12 baccalaureate degrees in 42 majors.

    What We Love About Delta State University

    Delta State University has small classes with a warm and friendly atmosphere.

    Delta State University is ideal for students who:

    Want to get good grades, be Greek affiliated, or be part of the student government association.

    Delta State University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Wish to go to a larger university.

  11. #11

    William Carey University

    Hattiesburg , MS

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1165/22

    Career Outlook for degree at William Carey University

    Cost of Degree: $14,685
    Expenses: $16,383
    Starting Salary: $46,286
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is William Carey University known for?

    William Carey University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    William Carey University is a Southern Baptist Convention and Mississippi Baptist Convention-affiliated private university with its main campus located in Hattiesburg and another campus in the Tradition community north of Biloxi.

    What We Love About William Carey University

    William Carey University is one of the most affordable private universities in the US.

    William Carey University is ideal for students who:

    Need financial assistance and love the idea of a small class.

    William Carey University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are looking for a party school because the university is geared toward academic rigor.

    William Carey University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Physical Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Health, Physical Education And Recreation
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 1 year
    • Format: Fully online
  12. #12

    Belhaven University

    Jackson , MS

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1154/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Belhaven University

    Cost of Degree: $29,195
    Expenses: $11,050
    Starting Salary: $50,101
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Belhaven University known for?

    Belhaven University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Belhaven University is a private Christian (evangelical) university in Jackson, Mississippi. The school offers traditional majors and programs of general studies, as well as pre-professional programs in Medicine, Christian Ministry, Law, Nursing, and Dentistry.

    What We Love About Belhaven University

    The school lies in a picturesque area close to shopping, great restaurants, and driving, and it has very high academic standards.

    Belhaven University is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for an extensive range of information about art, history, and the sciences.

    Belhaven University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Don’t own a car because there is nothing much to do in the surrounding area, nor are there plenty of things within walking distance.

    Belhaven University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Hospitality Management
    • Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Human Services
    Degree Concentrations
    • Christian Ministries
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 31
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Health Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Format: Fully online
  13. #13

    Rust College

    Holly Springs , MS

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    11%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Rust College

    Cost of Degree: $13,840
    Expenses: $9,480
    Starting Salary: $35,151
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Rust College is a historically Black college located in Holly Springs, Mississippi. This private college is the second oldest one in the state.

    What We Love About Rust College

    Rust College has a great learning environment and is perfect for those who prefer to study in smaller institutions.

    Rust College is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for a smaller and more affordable college.

    Rust College might not be a good fit for students who:

    Likes a big campus and love to be around a lot of people because it is a relatively small school.

  14. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi Valley State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,912
    Expenses: $13,242
    Starting Salary: $36,621
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Mississippi Valley State University known for?

    Mississippi Valley State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Mississippi Valley State University is a historically Black university in Mississippi Valley State, just adjacent to Itta Bena, Mississippi. This public school is a member school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

    What We Love About Mississippi Valley State University

    The school has a full staff of bright and helpful professors and more.

    Mississippi Valley State University is ideal for students who:

    Are socially active because there are so many new people to meet in a diverse community.

    Mississippi Valley State University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are not willing to experience a lifestyle and culture different than their own.

  15. #15

    Blue Mountain College

    Blue Mountain , MS

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Blue Mountain College

    Cost of Degree: $19,280
    Expenses: $13,978
    Starting Salary: $42,093
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Blue Mountain College known for?

    Blue Mountain College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Blue Mountain College, now known as Blue Mountain Christian University, was originally a women’s college in 1873 until it fully went coeducational in 2005. This private four-year college offers different baccalaureate degrees and graduate programs.

    What We Love About Blue Mountain College

    The school has a beautiful campus and loving students and faculty.

    Blue Mountain College is ideal for students who:

    Want a close-knit college community and those who wish to receive a Christ-based education.

    Blue Mountain College might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are not comfortable in a small university with small classroom sizes.

    Blue Mountain College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120-123
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online

Student Submitted Questions about Mississippi Colleges

What is the most affordable college in Mississippi?

Mississippi Valley State University is one of the most affordable colleges in the state with a tuition of around $7,000 for in-state Mississippi residents. By contrast, Millsaps College, one of the top private schools in the state is around $44,000.

Is accreditation important when choosing a college in Mississippi?

Yes! Regional accreditation assures that the education you receive will be top-notch. You can also apply for financial aid when attending accredited colleges. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the accrediting body for colleges in Mississippi.

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Mississippi’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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