Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2026

Badge for BEST IN MISSISSIPPI PUBLIC COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
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 in 2026

  1. University of Mississippi
  2. Mississippi State University
  3. Jackson State University
    +1
  4. University of Southern Mississippi
    –1
  5. Alcorn State University
    +2
  6. Mississippi University for Women
  7. Delta State University
    –2
  8. Mississippi Valley State University

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.

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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 2023

  1. #1

    University of Mississippi

    University , MS
    #1 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2026 #1 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    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
    What is University of Mississippi known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Mississippi State University

    Mississippi State , MS
    #2 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2026 #2 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    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
    What is Mississippi State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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 2026 #3 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2026 #3 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2026

    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
    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: 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
    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Southern Mississippi

    Hattiesburg , MS
    #4 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2026 #4 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #4 Best Research Universities in Mississippi 2026

    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
    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: 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
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Alcorn State University

    Alcorn State , MS
    #7 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2026 #13 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #21 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2026

    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’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
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Mississippi University for Women

    Columbus , MS
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #5 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #9 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2026

    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’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
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Delta State University

    Cleveland , MS
    #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #6 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #6 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2026 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2026

    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

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Mississippi Valley State University

    Itta Bena , MS
    #24 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #10 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #9 HBCU MBA Programs Online

    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:

    Compare school
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Mississippi’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest

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2021 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 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.

This guide to the best public colleges in Mississippi for 2026 highlights the institutions that matter for students weighing academic fit, cost, and career outcomes. Rather than a single-ranked list, we emphasize distinctions—comprehensive research universities, regional four-year campuses, and community colleges—that influence program strength, selectivity, campus experience, and transfer pathways. Read on to compare strengths by major, typical affordability and admissions profiles, and the local workforce connections that shape graduate opportunities so you can narrow choices efficiently and apply with purpose.

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