Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2024
Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Mississippi. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.
10 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2024
- University of Mississippi
- Mississippi State University
- University of Southern Mississippi
- Jackson State University
- Delta State University
- Mississippi University for Women
- Tougaloo College
- Alcorn State University
- William Carey University
- Rust College
- University of Mississippi
- Mississippi State University
- Jackson State University
- University of Southern Mississippi
- Tougaloo College
- Alcorn State University
- Mississippi University for Women
- Delta State University
- Rust College
- William Carey University
- University of Southern Mississippi 99%
- Delta State University 99%
- Mississippi University for Women 99%
- University of Mississippi 97%
- Blue Mountain College 96%
- Jackson State University 89%
- Rust College 79%
- Mississippi State University 75%
- Mississippi Valley State University 65%
- William Carey University 54%
- Alcorn State University 16 to 1
- Mississippi State University 16 to 1
- University of Mississippi 16 to 1
- University of Southern Mississippi 15 to 1
- Jackson State University 15 to 1
- Blue Mountain College 14 to 1
- William Carey University 13 to 1
- Mississippi Valley State University 12 to 1
- Mississippi University for Women 11 to 1
- Delta State University 10 to 1
- Blue Mountain College $19,280
- William Carey University $14,685
- Tougaloo College $10,861
- Rust College $9,900
- University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
- Mississippi State University $9,248
- University of Mississippi $9,072
- Delta State University $8,605
- Alcorn State University $8,549
- Jackson State University $8,270
- Blue Mountain College $12,386
- William Carey University $12,312
- Tougaloo College $10,134
- Mississippi State University $9,398
- University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
- University of Mississippi $9,072
- Delta State University $8,435
- Jackson State University $8,270
- Alcorn State University $8,174
- Mississippi Valley State University $8,046
- Blue Mountain College
- Mississippi Valley State University
- Rust College
- William Carey University
- Alcorn State University
- Tougaloo College
- Mississippi University for Women
- Delta State University
- Jackson State University
- University of Southern Mississippi
- Blue Mountain College
- Mississippi Valley State University
- William Carey University
- Rust College
- Delta State University
- Mississippi University for Women
- Alcorn State University
- Tougaloo College
- University of Southern Mississippi
- Jackson State University
- Alcorn State University 30%
- Tougaloo College 49%
- William Carey University 54%
- Mississippi Valley State University 65%
- Mississippi State University 75%
- Rust College 79%
- Jackson State University 89%
- Blue Mountain College 96%
- University of Mississippi 97%
- Mississippi University for Women 99%
- Rust College 8 to 1
- Tougaloo College 9 to 1
- Delta State University 10 to 1
- Mississippi University for Women 11 to 1
- Mississippi Valley State University 12 to 1
- William Carey University 13 to 1
- Blue Mountain College 14 to 1
- University of Southern Mississippi 15 to 1
- Jackson State University 15 to 1
- Alcorn State University 16 to 1
- Mississippi Valley State University $7,414
- Mississippi University for Women $7,866
- Jackson State University $8,270
- Alcorn State University $8,549
- Delta State University $8,605
- University of Mississippi $9,072
- Mississippi State University $9,248
- University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
- Rust College $9,900
- Tougaloo College $10,861
- Mississippi University for Women $7,766
- Mississippi Valley State University $8,046
- Alcorn State University $8,174
- Jackson State University $8,270
- Delta State University $8,435
- University of Mississippi $9,072
- University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
- Mississippi State University $9,398
- Tougaloo College $10,134
- William Carey University $12,312
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?
- 6 Research Universities
- 9 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 8 Graduate Schools
- 8 Public Colleges & Universities
- 7 Private Colleges & Universities
- 7 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 11 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 12 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 15 Community Colleges
- 8 Online Colleges
Mississippi’s Best Overall
There are 12 colleges and universities in Mississippi with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Mississippi is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.
Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2023
These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.
- #1 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Research Universities in Mississippi 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Mississippi 2025
- #1 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2025
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Mississippi
- #2 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
- #3 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs 2025
- #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
- #10 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #10 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice 2025
- #13 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
- #13 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #14 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #14 Best Online Master’s in Communications
- #21 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
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: $9,412Expenses: $19,540Starting Salary: $56,600Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Mississippi known for?
University of Mississippi’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Law
- History
- Political Science
- Medical
- Business
- Literature
- Communications
- Earth Sciences
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Research Universities in Mississippi 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Mississippi 2025
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Mississippi
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Mississippi
- #7 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #11 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
- #16 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
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: $9,815Expenses: $19,639Starting Salary: $47,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Mississippi State University known for?
Mississippi State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- History
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Business
- Physics
- Anthropology
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Mississippi 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Mississippi 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Mississippi
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Mississippi
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Mississippi 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #9 Most Affordable Online Master's of Music Education Programs 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #16 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #16 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #16 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
- #19 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs) 2025
- #20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
- #24 Best RN to BSN Online
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
52%
Student body
16K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern Mississippi
Cost of Degree: $9,618Expenses: $17,484Starting Salary: $42,700Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Southern Mississippi known for?
University of Southern Mississippi’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Anthropology
- Earth Sciences
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Literature
- Education
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
- #9 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #22 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #4 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024
- #4 Best Research Universities in Mississippi 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Mississippi
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Mississippi 2024
- #3 HBCU MBA Programs Online
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Mississippi 2025
- #4 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #4 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Mississippi
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #12 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #13 Best HBCU Online Programs
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
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: $8,795Expenses: $23,898Starting Salary: $33,700Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Jackson State University known for?
Jackson State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Earth Sciences
- History
- Medical
- Education
- Communications
- Literature
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
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Mississippi
- #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Mississippi 2025
- #16 Best Online Master's in English 2025
- #17 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #21 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #19 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
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: $8,605Expenses: $13,927Starting Salary: $37,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Delta State University known for?
Delta State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Mississippi
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Mississippi 2024
- #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Mississippi 2025
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Mississippi
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #17 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #18 Best RN to BSN Online
- #19 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
37%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi University for Women
Cost of Degree: $8,092Expenses: $14,787Starting Salary: $38,900Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #9 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #1 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
49%
Graduation
31%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Tougaloo College
Cost of Degree: $10,735Expenses: $13,384Starting Salary: $32,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tougaloo College known for?
Tougaloo College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #13 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #21 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
30%
Graduation
47%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1009/19
Career Outlook for degree at Alcorn State University
Cost of Degree: $8,549Expenses: $15,195Starting Salary: $35,000Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Mississippi 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024
Other Rankings
- #7 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Mississippi
- #7 Best Online Colleges in Mississippi 2024
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Mississippi 2025
- #12 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
- #13 Best RN to BSN Online
- #18 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
- #20 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
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: $14,685Expenses: $16,383Starting Salary: $40,500Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is William Carey University known for?
William Carey University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Communications
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Education
- History
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
William Carey University’s Online Degrees
BS in Physical Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health, Physical Education And Recreation
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #17 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #5 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
25%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
889/17
Career Outlook for degree at Rust College
Cost of Degree: $13,840Expenses: $9,480Starting Salary: $26,600Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Rust College known for?
Rust College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Business
- Literature
- Political Science
- Biology
- Education
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
- #24 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
26%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi Valley State University
Cost of Degree: $7,912Expenses: $13,242Starting Salary: $27,200Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Mississippi Valley State University known for?
Mississippi Valley State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #7 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #8 Best Online Colleges in Mississippi 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
39%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1090/22
Career Outlook for degree at Blue Mountain College
Cost of Degree: $19,280Expenses: $13,978Starting Salary: $29,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Blue Mountain College known for?
Blue Mountain College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Religious Studies
- Medical
- Business
- Communications
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Biology
- History
Most Influential Alumni
Blue Mountain College’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120-123
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online