Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2026

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN MISSISSIPPI
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Public colleges and universities are among the most affordable schools in Mississippi.
  • Mississippi has a diverse group of colleges including technology and career preparation universities, small colleges, religious schools, and research universities.
  • Mississippi has several schools with a tuition rate below $10K.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2026

  1. University of Mississippi
  2. Mississippi State University
  3. Jackson State University
  4. University of Southern Mississippi
  5. Tougaloo College
  6. Alcorn State University
  7. Mississippi University for Women
  8. Delta State University
  9. William Carey University
  10. Rust College

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 2025

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. #1

    University of Mississippi

    University , MS
    #1 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2026 #1 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #1 Best Public 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 Best Public 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 Best Public 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

    Tougaloo College

    Tougaloo , MS
    #9 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #2 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2026

    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
    What is Tougaloo College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    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
  8. #7

    Mississippi University for Women

    Columbus , MS
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #5 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #6 Best Public 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
  9. #8

    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 #7 Best Public 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
  10. #9

    William Carey University

    Hattiesburg , MS
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #4 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #6 Best Research Universities in Mississippi 2026 #7 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2026

    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’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
    Compare school
  12. #10

    Rust College

    Holly Springs , MS
    #17 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #6 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #6 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2026

    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
    What is Rust College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Mississippi Valley State University

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

    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
  14. #12

    Blue Mountain College

    Blue Mountain , MS
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #7 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2026 #8 Best Online Colleges in Mississippi 2026

    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’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
    Compare school
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