Best Colleges in Mississippi
As Mississippi’s economy grows, more workers are starting careers in the state’s largest employment sectors, including office and administrative support, healthcare, education, and management. These fields, many of which boast well-paying positions and benefits, require applicants to possess education beyond a high school diploma.
Whether you want to earn a bachelor’s or graduate degree, many Mississippi colleges can prepare you for a career in these fields. The following ranking highlights schools with excellent academic programs, valuable support services, and ample extracurricular opportunities. Many of these institutions also award generous financial aid packages and offer flexible online learning options that may appeal to busy professionals and parents.
Even if you do not find a college or university that suits your needs on this ranking, reviewing these schools can help you learn what to look for as you explore other academic opportunities. If you have questions about specific programs or requirements, contact schools directly to learn more.
Best Accredited Colleges in Mississippi
Mississippi State University
- Mississippi State, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,248
- Out-of-state$25,294
- In-State$9,398
- Out-of-state$25,444
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled22,657
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$9,072
- Out-of-state$26,292
- In-State$9,072
- Out-of-state$26,294
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate98%
- Students Enrolled24,043
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$40,940
- Out-of-state$40,940
- In-State$23,568
- Out-of-state$23,568
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled661
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment7%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$7,766
- Out-of-state$7,766
- In-State$7,766
- Out-of-state$7,766
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate99%
- Students Enrolled2,339
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$8,435
- Out-of-state$8,435
- In-State$8,435
- Out-of-state$8,435
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled2,716
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$10,258
- Out-of-state$10,258
- In-State$10,134
- Out-of-state$10,134
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate5%
- Students Enrolled677
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern Mississippi
- Hattiesburg, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,240
- Out-of-state$11,256
- In-State$9,340
- Out-of-state$11,340
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate99%
- Students Enrolled13,110
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2020. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
Explore More College Resources
How to Choose Your College Class Schedule
Learn how to create the best class schedule each semester by considering important academic and nonacademic factors.
by Steve Bailey
Updated March 22, 2023
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Student: What’s the Difference?
Discover the challenges and opportunities full-time vs. part-time students face and get tips on which college experience is right for you.
by Marisa Upson
Updated October 12, 2023
Summer Semester: When Does It Start? And Should You Enroll?
School’s out — or, rather, in — for summer. Discover the pros and cons of enrolling in an optional summer semester in college.
by Anne Dennon
Updated March 20, 2023