If you're on the hunt for the perfect college in the state of Mississippi, you've come to the right place. Whether you're transferring from a community college, aiming for an Ivy League-level education, or seeking the best athletic programs, we've got the rundown on the hottest academic spots in the Magnolia State (in no particular order).
No matter if you're an in-state resident or considering crossing state lines for a world-class American education, you've found the scoop on everything from enrollment numbers to available degree programs.
Worried about financials? Fret not! We'll dive into financial aid options as well as honors colleges and minors that could pique your interest. So, whether you're dreaming of a bachelor's degree in the arts or sciences, a strong athletics program, a private institution with strong Christian values, or a broad spectrum of academic programs, these Mississippi gems have you covered.
Mississippi College
Welcome to the heart and soul of education in Mississippi, Mississippi College (MC), one of the state's shining private colleges. With a commitment to nurturing growth, MC boasts a remarkable 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
MC's unique Clubs and Tribes offer a twist on Greek life, intertwining Christian values with community service. Plus, as an incoming high school or transfer student, the Speed Scholarship grants full undergraduate tuition.
The Stats
- National ranking: 600
- Size: Four-year, medium-sized university with approximately 2,700 undergraduate students
- Location: Southwest Mississippi in Clinton, a large residential suburban area
- Acceptance rate: 29%
- 4-year graduation rate: 52%
Jackson State University
As a revered Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Jackson State University (JSU) offers accessibility with high enrollment and affordable tuition. The school's immersive education extends beyond classrooms by integrating labs, community engagement, and global experiences.
Elevate your spirit at Tiger football games with Coach Prime and the mesmerizing performances of the Sonic Boom of the South marching band. Amidst the historic charm of Jackson, JSU students find endless exploration.
The Stats
- National ranking: No ranking
- Size: Four-year, medium-sized university with approximately 4,600 undergraduate students
- Location: Southwest Mississippi in Jackson, a residential city area
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- 4-year graduation rate: 23%
University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi, fondly known as Ole Miss, stands as the state's flagship university and holds esteemed R1 status for its top-tier research activities. Located in the captivating town of Oxford, its campus ranks among the nation's most beautiful.
Ole Miss encompasses 16 academic divisions. These include a prominent medical school, nationally acclaimed faculties like accountancy, law, and pharmacy, plus an honors college famed for its blend of rigorous academics, hands-on learning, and community involvement.
The Stats
- National ranking: 278
- Size: Four-year, large-sized university with approximately 16,000 undergraduate students
- Location: Northern Mississippi in University, a residential town
- Acceptance rate: 88%
- 4-year graduation rate: 48%
Mississippi State University
As a public university, Mississippi State University (MSU) offers in-state students affordable tuition. With a variety of over 175 programs for bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees, MSU is equipping its students to build successful tomorrows.
The university offers eight academic colleges that include the Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Bagley Engineering, Forest Resources, Veterinary Medicine, and last but not least Architecture, Art, and Design.
The Stats
- National ranking: 501-600
- Size: Four-year, large-sized university with approximately 18,800 undergraduate students
- Location: East Mississippi in Mississippi State, a residential town
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- 4-year graduation rate: 40%
University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (Southern Miss) is a Carnegie R1 research institution, ranking among the nation's foremost research universities. The university's research domain encompasses various fields, including ocean science and engineering, led by a team of expert researchers.
The university boasts a plethora of on-campus facilities, such as the Arts Institute of Mississippi, the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security, as well as the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL), which is one of the most expansive marine research facilities in the southeastern United States.
The Stats
- National ranking: 600
- Size: Four-year, large-sized university with approximately 11,400 undergraduate students
- Location: Northeast Mississippi in Hattiesburg, a residential city area
- Acceptance rate: 96%
- 4-year graduation rate: 31%
Delta State University
Delta State University is the school for you if you don't want to worry about acceptance rates. Here, 100% of students are accepted. Delta is a small public university that began as a teacher's college. Today, undergrads can choose from over 40 majors in either the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education or the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing.
Delta stands out for its distinctive programs in commercial aviation as well as the Delta Music Institute and the nationally-recognized Geospatial Information Technology program.
The Stats
- National ranking: No ranking
- Size: Four-year, small-sized university with approximately 2,300 undergraduate students
- Location: Northeast Mississippi in Cleveland, a residential town
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- 4-year graduation rate: 23%
Millsaps College
Millsaps College is a tiny Christian university where personalized experiences are easy to find. In spite of its small size, the college offers 33 majors, 47 minors, and seven pre-professional programs.
In addition to study abroad, Millsaps College also provides students with the Ford Teaching Fellowship Program and Honors Program. Millsaps College also recently received a grant for its Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative.
The Stats
- National ranking: No ranking
- Size: Four-year, small-sized university with approximately 660 undergraduate students
- Location: South-central Mississippi in Jackson, a residential city area
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- 4-year graduation rate: 66%
Mississippi University for Women
Are you looking for a school with a primarily female student body? Mississippi University for Women (MUW), a historically women's college, is made up of 82% female students. MUW is also known as one of the best colleges for transfer students.
Top majors here include nursing, public health education, and business administration. In addition to traditional on-campus higher education, MUQ offers robust online programs for education, healthcare, leadership and management, and nursing.
The Stats
- National ranking: No ranking
- Size: Four-year, small-sized university with approximately 2,400 undergraduate students
- Location: Northeast Mississippi in Columbus, a residential town
- Acceptance rate: 99%
- 4-year graduation rate: 36%
William Carey University
William Carey University is a Christian institution committed to assisting students in discovering and fulfilling their higher purpose. The university focuses on health education through various colleges that include the School of Pharmacy, School of Nursing, College of Osteopathic Medicine, and School of Education.
Furthermore, the Donald and Frances Winters School of Music and Ministry Studies holds accreditation as an institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
The Stats
- National ranking: No ranking
- Size: Four-year, medium-sized university with approximately 3,200 undergraduate students
- Location: Northeast Mississippi in Hattiesburg, a residential city area
- Acceptance rate: 55%
- 4-year graduation rate: 35%
Alcorn State University
Alcorn State University is big on athletics. Not only does the university offer strong athletics programs for athletes, but it also produces many graduates in professional sports. Additionally, Alcorn State ranks high as the leading HBCU (Historically Black College and University) in Mississippi.
And when you go to Alcorn, you'll know you're in the cream of the crop. Alcorn boasts a competitive acceptance rate of only 38%. The exclusive community helps ensure you receive a top-notch education.
The Stats
- National ranking: No ranking
- Size: Four-year, medium-sized university with approximately 2,700 undergraduate students
- Location: Southeast Mississippi in Alcorn State, a rural residential area
- Acceptance rate: 38%
- 4-year graduation rate: 25%
Honorable mentions
- Belhaven University. Belhaven is a Christian university that helps students find their calling.
- Blue Mountain College. Enjoy a community-focused education when you attend this Christian institution.
- Mississippi Valley State University. This state school offers programs in the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Professional Studies, Education, and the Graduate School.
- Rust College. Rust College is a historically Black liberal arts college with a low student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1.
- Tougaloo College. This tiny college offers over 40 clubs to get involved in the community.
- Southeastern Baptist College. If you're looking for a top Bible college, consider this school.
Compare top Mississippi schools with College Rover
When it comes to finding the perfect Mississippi school, let College Rover be your guide. With College Rover, you can effortlessly explore schools, programs, and more to help you make informed decisions for your future. Start your educational journey today and discover the best opportunities Mississippi has to offer!
College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.
