Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024

Badge for BEST IN MISSISSIPPI GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Updated:

Best Grad Schools in Mississippi

  1. University of Mississippi
    • Tuition: $9K
  2. Mississippi State University
    • Tuition: $9K
  3. Jackson State University
    • Tuition: $8K
  4. University of Southern Mississippi
    • Tuition: $9K
  5. Mississippi College
    • Tuition: $21K
  6. Delta State University
    • Tuition: $9K
  7. William Carey University
    • Tuition: $15K
  8. Belhaven University
    • Tuition: $28K

Key Takeaways

  • Eight schools in Mississippi meet our criteria for the best grad schools in the state.
  • Earning a master’s or doctorate degree from one of the state’s best grad schools will qualify graduates to work in one of Mississippi’s top industries.
  • It is important to choose a grad school in Mississippi that offers opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Colleges and Universities in Mississippi

The majority of the grad schools in Mississippi are public colleges, with the University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, being the largest. Tuition at Ole Miss runs about $9,000, just below the national average.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.


What are Mississippi’s Colleges & Universities?

Mississippi’s Best Overall


There are 8 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Mississippi. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Mississippi is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in Mississippi

  1. #1

    University of Mississippi

    University , MS
    #1 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Mississippi

    Cost of Degree: $9,412
    Expenses: $19,540
    Starting Salary: $56,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Mississippi known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    True to its mission of being inclusive, the University of Mississippi promotes a variety of support services and scholarships aimed at ensuring all graduate students have the opportunity to succeed. With expert faculty, the university continues to provide quality programs and mentorship.

    What we love about the University of Mississippi:

    Students qualified to present their cases in conferences may apply for a Graduate Student Travel Grant, where they may receive up to $300.

    The University of Mississippi is ideal for students who:

    Enjoy fitness and wellness sessions.

    The University of Mississippi might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to have more graduate student organizations to choose from.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Mississippi State University

    Mississippi State , MS
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,815
    Expenses: $19,639
    Starting Salary: $47,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Mississippi State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Recognized for its strong research programs, Mississippi State University graduate students access cutting-edge laboratories and learning centers that support innovation and collaboration. Graduate students are also exposed to international research opportunities to gain a wider perspective in their fields.

    What we love about Mississippi State University:

    Using the MyIDP tool, graduate students are given the needed assistance to plot their goals and pathway to a better career.

    Mississippi State University is ideal for students who:

    Look forward to joining graduate training workshops.

    Mississippi State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a fixed amount of school fees, as the university’s charges may change without notice.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Jackson State University

    Jackson , MS
    #9 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #22 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1141/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Jackson State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,795
    Expenses: $23,898
    Starting Salary: $33,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Jackson State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Covering areas like Journalism, Social Work, and Education, Jackson State University’s graduate programs center on practical skills training and hands-on learning. Graduate students get extra help through research mentorship and access to cutting-edge resources.

    What we love about Jackson State University:

    Through the Richard Wright Center, graduate students receive personalized training in academic writing, outlining, and revising thesis works.

    Jackson State University is ideal for students who:

    Seek a graduate certificate in Disaster Preparedness.

    Jackson State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for a Nursing Master’s program.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Southern Mississippi

    Hattiesburg , MS
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Mississippi 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern Mississippi

    Cost of Degree: $9,618
    Expenses: $17,484
    Starting Salary: $42,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Southern Mississippi known for?

    University of Southern Mississippi’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of Southern Mississippi offers on-campus and online graduate programs across various areas, including Nursing, Coastal Sciences, and Business. The university strengthens its graduate students’ skills through symposiums, research funding, and thesis competitions.

    What we love about the University of Southern Mississippi:

    Aside from research training, graduate students are also trained to improve their skills in leadership, communication, and management through regular workshops.

    The University of Southern Mississippi is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for a Graduate Assistantship program that comes with health insurance.

    The University of Southern Mississippi might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not comfortable studying in a diverse community.

    Compare school
  5. #5

    Mississippi College

    Clinton , MS
    #12 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #16 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi College

    Cost of Degree: $21,698
    Expenses: $19,667
    Starting Salary: $44,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Mississippi College known for?

    Mississippi College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Catering to every type of learner, Mississippi College offers flexible graduate programs that are tailored to fit individual career goals and accommodate different schedules. Encouraging Christian values, graduate students may join regular chapel services and engage in community service.

    What we love about Mississippi College:

    The Accelerated Master’s Program allows undergraduate students to earn up to 10 credit hours that can be applied towards finishing a graduate degree.

    Mississippi College is ideal for students who:

    Want to take up a Master’s in Graphic Design.

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

    Prefer an online Master’s in Political Science.

    Compare school
    7. three college students sitting on steps outside of a building
  7. #6

    Delta State University

    Cleveland , MS
    #5 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #6 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Delta State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,605
    Expenses: $13,927
    Starting Salary: $37,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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 offers various graduate degrees, ranging from Commercial Aviation to Nursing and Criminal Justice. With competitive tuition rates and support services, graduate students benefit from a well-rounded educational experience tailored for success.

    What we love about Delta State University:

    Perfect for aspiring managers, the university offers a fully online Master’s in Business Administration that may be finished in 1 year.

    Delta State University is ideal for students who:

    Want to join the Teach For America Fellowship program.

    Delta State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer attending larger class sizes.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    William Carey University

    Hattiesburg , MS
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Mississippi 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/24

    Career Outlook for degree at William Carey University

    Cost of Degree: $14,685
    Expenses: $16,383
    Starting Salary: $40,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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

    With ten schools & colleges to choose from, William Carey University’s graduate programs are diverse, comprehensive, and highly flexible. Beyond academics, graduate students enjoy a vibrant community filled with numerous student organizations and campus events.

    What we love about William Carey University:

    The university’s Master of Art in Teaching provides an alternate route for non-teaching graduates to pursue a career in education, offering training and certification preparation.

    William Carey University is ideal for students who:

    Want to become dyslexia therapists.

    William Carey University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for a Supply Chain Management concentration in an MBA.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Belhaven University

    Jackson , MS
    #5 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #9 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Belhaven University

    Cost of Degree: $29,195
    Expenses: $11,050
    Starting Salary: $42,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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

    The instructors at Belhaven University take mentorship personally, ensuring each graduate student is given the needed guidance and tools to grow their skills. With a Christian worldview, faith-based principles and leadership qualities are integrated into its learning experiences.

    What we love about Belhaven University:

    The university boasts a highly versatile Data Science Master’s degree that covers in-depth training in topics like Python, Machine Learning, and Statistical Modeling.

    Belhaven University is ideal for students who:

    Are violinists seeking a post-undergraduate Artist Diploma.

    Belhaven University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Have trouble following self-paced graduate curriculums.

    Compare school
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Mississippi’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2023 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. University of Mississippi
  2. Mississippi State University
  3. University of Southern Mississippi
  4. Mississippi College
  5. William Carey University
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