Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2024

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN MISSISSIPPI
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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

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  1. University of Mississippi
  2. Mississippi State University
  3. University of Southern Mississippi
  4. Jackson State University
  5. Delta State University
  6. Mississippi University for Women
  7. Tougaloo College
  8. Alcorn State University
  9. William Carey University
  10. Rust College
  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. Rust College
  10. William Carey University
  1. University of Southern Mississippi 99%
  2. Delta State University 99%
  3. Mississippi University for Women 99%
  4. University of Mississippi 97%
  5. Blue Mountain College 96%
  6. Jackson State University 89%
  7. Rust College 79%
  8. Mississippi State University 75%
  9. Mississippi Valley State University 65%
  10. William Carey University 54%
  1. University of Mississippi 16 to 1
  2. Mississippi State University 16 to 1
  3. Alcorn State University 16 to 1
  4. University of Southern Mississippi 15 to 1
  5. Jackson State University 15 to 1
  6. Blue Mountain College 14 to 1
  7. William Carey University 13 to 1
  8. Mississippi Valley State University 12 to 1
  9. Mississippi University for Women 11 to 1
  10. Delta State University 10 to 1
  1. Blue Mountain College $19,280
  2. William Carey University $14,685
  3. Tougaloo College $10,861
  4. Rust College $9,900
  5. University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
  6. Mississippi State University $9,248
  7. University of Mississippi $9,072
  8. Delta State University $8,605
  9. Alcorn State University $8,549
  10. Jackson State University $8,270
  1. Blue Mountain College $12,386
  2. William Carey University $12,312
  3. Tougaloo College $10,134
  4. Mississippi State University $9,398
  5. University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
  6. University of Mississippi $9,072
  7. Delta State University $8,435
  8. Jackson State University $8,270
  9. Alcorn State University $8,174
  10. Mississippi Valley State University $8,046
  1. Blue Mountain College
  2. Mississippi Valley State University
  3. Rust College
  4. William Carey University
  5. Alcorn State University
  6. Tougaloo College
  7. Mississippi University for Women
  8. Delta State University
  9. Jackson State University
  10. University of Southern Mississippi
  1. Blue Mountain College
  2. Mississippi Valley State University
  3. William Carey University
  4. Rust College
  5. Delta State University
  6. Mississippi University for Women
  7. Alcorn State University
  8. Tougaloo College
  9. University of Southern Mississippi
  10. Jackson State University
  1. Alcorn State University 30%
  2. Tougaloo College 49%
  3. William Carey University 54%
  4. Mississippi Valley State University 65%
  5. Mississippi State University 75%
  6. Rust College 79%
  7. Jackson State University 89%
  8. Blue Mountain College 96%
  9. University of Mississippi 97%
  10. Mississippi University for Women 99%
  1. Rust College 8 to 1
  2. Tougaloo College 9 to 1
  3. Delta State University 10 to 1
  4. Mississippi University for Women 11 to 1
  5. Mississippi Valley State University 12 to 1
  6. William Carey University 13 to 1
  7. Blue Mountain College 14 to 1
  8. University of Southern Mississippi 15 to 1
  9. Jackson State University 15 to 1
  10. University of Mississippi 16 to 1
  1. Mississippi Valley State University $7,414
  2. Mississippi University for Women $7,866
  3. Jackson State University $8,270
  4. Alcorn State University $8,549
  5. Delta State University $8,605
  6. University of Mississippi $9,072
  7. Mississippi State University $9,248
  8. University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
  9. Rust College $9,900
  10. Tougaloo College $10,861
  1. Mississippi University for Women $7,766
  2. Mississippi Valley State University $8,046
  3. Alcorn State University $8,174
  4. Jackson State University $8,270
  5. Delta State University $8,435
  6. University of Mississippi $9,072
  7. University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
  8. Mississippi State University $9,398
  9. Tougaloo College $10,134
  10. 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?

Mississippi’s Best Overall

Mississippi's Most Affordable Colleges and Universities Badge
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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.

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Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2023

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

  1. #1

    University of Mississippi

    University , MS
    #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $9,220
    Expenses: $18,690
    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

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Southern Mississippi

    Hattiesburg , MS
    #3 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Mississippi 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern Mississippi

    Cost of Degree: $9,450
    Expenses: $16,550
    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

    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
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Jackson State University

    Jackson , MS
    #11 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #22 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $8,445
    Expenses: $21,078
    Starting Salary: $33,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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: 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
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Mississippi University for Women

    Columbus , MS
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mississippi University for Women

    Cost of Degree: $7,866
    Expenses: $14,227
    Starting Salary: $38,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
    • 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
    Compare school
  9. #8

    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 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2024
    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: $8,549
    Expenses: $15,195
    Starting Salary: $35,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
    • 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
    Compare school
  10. #9

    William Carey University

    Hattiesburg , MS
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Mississippi 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $16,248
    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

    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
    Compare school
  11. #10

    Rust College

    Holly Springs , MS
    #5 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #6 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts 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: $9,900
    Expenses: $8,700
    Starting Salary: $26,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
    #17 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #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: $7,414
    Expenses: $14,192
    Starting Salary: $27,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #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: $19,280
    Expenses: $12,877
    Starting Salary: $29,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
    • 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
    Compare school
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Mississippi’s Most Affordable Colleges 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
  1. Mississippi Valley State University
  2. Mississippi University for Women
  3. Alcorn State University
  4. Delta State University
  5. Jackson State University
  6. University of Southern Mississippi
  7. Mississippi State University
  8. University of Mississippi
  9. Rust College
  10. Tougaloo College
  11. Blue Mountain College
  12. William Carey University
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