Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2023

Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2023
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Mississippi provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

Best Public Colleges in Mississippi

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  1. University of Mississippi
    2. 53%
  2. Mississippi State University
    3. 45%
  3. Jackson State University
    4. 39%
  4. University of Southern Mississippi
    5. 38%
  5. Alcorn State University
    6. 33%
  6. Mississippi University for Women
    7. 28%
  7. Delta State University
    8. 28%
  8. Mississippi Valley State University
    9. 24%
  1. Delta State University
    2. 100%
  2. Mississippi University for Women
    3. 99%
  3. University of Southern Mississippi
    4. 96%
  4. University of Mississippi
    5. 90%
  5. Mississippi Valley State University
    6. 79%
  6. Mississippi State University
    7. 76%
  7. Jackson State University
    8. 62%
  8. Alcorn State University
    9. 39%
  1. University of Southern Mississippi
    2. 18 to 1
  2. University of Mississippi
    3. 16 to 1
  3. Mississippi State University
    4. 16 to 1
  4. Alcorn State University
    5. 16 to 1
  5. Jackson State University
    6. 14 to 1
  6. Mississippi Valley State University
    7. 13 to 1
  7. Mississippi University for Women
    8. 12 to 1
  8. Delta State University
    9. 11 to 1
  1. Mississippi State University
    2. $9,110
  2. University of Southern Mississippi
    3. $9,094
  3. University of Mississippi
    4. $8,934
  4. Delta State University
    5. $8,360
  5. Jackson State University
    6. $8,270
  6. Alcorn State University
    7. $8,176
  7. Mississippi University for Women
    8. $7,756
  8. Mississippi Valley State University
    9. $7,068
  1. Mississippi State University
    2. $9,110
  2. University of Southern Mississippi
    3. $9,094
  3. University of Mississippi
    4. $8,938
  4. Jackson State University
    5. $8,270
  5. Delta State University
    6. $8,190
  6. Mississippi Valley State University
    7. $7,882
  7. Alcorn State University
    8. $7,785
  8. Mississippi University for Women
    9. $7,656
  1. Mississippi Valley State University
    2. 24%
  2. Delta State University
    3. 28%
  3. Mississippi University for Women
    4. 28%
  4. Alcorn State University
    5. 33%
  5. University of Southern Mississippi
    6. 38%
  6. Jackson State University
    7. 39%
  7. Mississippi State University
    8. 45%
  8. University of Mississippi
    9. 53%
  1. Alcorn State University
    2. 39%
  2. Jackson State University
    3. 62%
  3. Mississippi State University
    4. 76%
  4. Mississippi Valley State University
    5. 79%
  5. University of Mississippi
    6. 90%
  6. University of Southern Mississippi
    7. 96%
  7. Mississippi University for Women
    8. 99%
  8. Delta State University
    9. 100%
  1. Delta State University
    2. 11 to 1
  2. Mississippi University for Women
    3. 12 to 1
  3. Mississippi Valley State University
    4. 13 to 1
  4. Jackson State University
    5. 14 to 1
  5. University of Mississippi
    6. 16 to 1
  6. Mississippi State University
    7. 16 to 1
  7. Alcorn State University
    8. 16 to 1
  8. University of Southern Mississippi
    9. 18 to 1
  1. Mississippi Valley State University
    2. $7,068
  2. Mississippi University for Women
    3. $7,756
  3. Alcorn State University
    4. $8,176
  4. Jackson State University
    5. $8,270
  5. Delta State University
    6. $8,360
  6. University of Mississippi
    7. $8,934
  7. University of Southern Mississippi
    8. $9,094
  8. Mississippi State University
    9. $9,110
  1. Mississippi University for Women
    2. $7,656
  2. Alcorn State University
    3. $7,785
  3. Mississippi Valley State University
    4. $7,882
  4. Delta State University
    5. $8,190
  5. Jackson State University
    6. $8,270
  6. University of Mississippi
    7. $8,938
  7. University of Southern Mississippi
    8. $9,094
  8. Mississippi State University
    9. $9,110

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.

From Mississippi mud pie to fried chicken, Mississippi brings a whole new meaning to the term comfort food. The Magnolia State is easy on the eyes too. With nearly endless forests spilling over with hickory, pine, and oak trees, the intricate river system, and the Gulf Island National Seashore, Mississippi is a true destination for lovers of outdoor adventure. And students who plan on earning their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in Mississippi have 31 colleges and universities to choose from.

Explore some of the top schools and career paths Mississippi has to offer.


What are Mississippi’s Colleges & Universities?

Mississippi’s Best Overall

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Mississippi's Best Public Colleges Badge
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This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 8 public universities in Mississippi. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Mississippi, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.

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Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2022

  3. #3

    University of Southern Mississippi

    Hattiesburg , MS
    #3 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2023 #3 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2023 #3 Best Research Universities in Mississippi 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    13K

    What is University of Southern Mississippi known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Southern Mississippi’s Online Degrees

    BSBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Construction Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Applied Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Teacher Assistant
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BLS in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Library And Information Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    Degree Concentrations
    • Allied Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical Laboratory Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Mlt To Mls
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Child And Family Sciences
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    Jackson State University

    Jackson , MS
    #11 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #22 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2000-2020 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #4 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    970/18

    What is Jackson State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Jackson State University’s Online Degrees

    BST in Technology-Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. #6

    Mississippi University for Women

    Columbus , MS
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2023 #4 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2023 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2023 #8 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/21

    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’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Business
    • Healthcare Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Management
    • Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Business
    • Healthcare Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Legal Administration
    • Management
    • Culinary Management
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Business Administration Management Information Systems
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health Education
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. #7

    Alcorn State University

    Alcorn State , MS
    #5 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #10 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #21 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2000-2020 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    880/20

    What is Alcorn State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Alcorn State University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 122-124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Child Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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Mississippi’s Best Public College in 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
2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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 University for Women
  3. Mississippi State University
  4. University of Southern Mississippi
  5. Delta State University
  6. Alcorn State University
  7. Mississippi Valley State University
  8. Jackson State University

Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.

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