The State of Mississippi has eight publicly funded Universities located across the state from the Delta region to North East Mississippi. Overall, Mississippi’s colleges and universities are among the strongest academic institutions in the entire southern region of the US. Mississippi State University in Starkville Mississippi is the state’s land grant college. It has a long history of leadership in the fields of agriculture and applied science. It is the largest campus in the state and it has an expansive international student program. The University of Mississippi or ‘Ole Miss’ is the flagship school in the state. Delta State located in Cleveland is in Mississippi’s Delta region.
Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi is a Historically Black College and is the official Urban University of the State of Mississippi. Alcorn State is the oldest HBCU in the nation. Tougaloo College, ranked as one the best values in education in Mississippi, is a private historically Black College and is a top-rated school for science and engineering. The Mississippi College for Women is a leading school for nursing.
How Much Can You Make by Earning a Degree in Mississippi?
The impact of education on income is significant. Incomes rise directly with the level of education. Recent studies have highlighted some of the important differences. A bachelor degree holder earns an average of $17,500 more per year than a high school graduate. Over the course of a lifetime of earnings, college graduates earn about one million dollars more than those with a high school diploma or GED.
Bachelor degree holders also get a wider range of opportunities for promotion including entry into higher-paying occupations and brand new industries. A degree combines with work experience to produce superior earnings, a wide range of promotional opportunities, and access to emerging sectors driven by technology and innovation.
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
| NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
Top 15 Best Associate Degree Programs in Mississippi
Itawamba Community College
Score: 89.55
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,420
- Out-of-State:$5,820
- Net Price: $3,972
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 4,599
- Undergrad Students: 4,599
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,500
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Score: 83.51
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,000
- Out-of-State:$5,000
- Net Price: $4,879
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 2,801
- Undergrad Students: 2,801
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $30,100
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Southwest Mississippi Community College
Score: 81.31
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,960
- Out-of-State:$6,660
- Net Price: $4,253
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 1,807
- Undergrad Students: 1,807
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $29,100
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Score: 80.69
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,950
- Out-of-State:$7,250
- Net Price: $6,789
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 7,845
- Undergrad Students: 7,845
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,400
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Hinds Community College
Score: 79.74
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,825
- Out-of-State:$6,875
- Net Price: $4,107
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 9,407
- Undergrad Students: 9,407
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,200
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Mississippi Delta Community College
Score: 79.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,540
- Out-of-State:$6,140
- Net Price: $2,136
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 2,039
- Undergrad Students: 2,039
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $28,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
East Mississippi Community College
Score: 79.38
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,950
- Out-of-State:$6,950
- Net Price: $5,277
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 3,324
- Undergrad Students: 3,324
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,200
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Score: 78.59
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,660
- Out-of-State:$6,060
- Net Price: $7,573
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 7,198
- Undergrad Students: 7,198
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,900
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Pearl River Community College
Score: 78.31
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,650
- Out-of-State:$5,650
- Net Price: $5,462
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 5,462
- Undergrad Students: 5,462
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,600
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
East Central Community College
Score: 77.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,865
- Out-of-State:$5,965
- Net Price: $6,111
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 2,380
- Undergrad Students: 2,380
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,900
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Jones County Junior College
Score: 76.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,000
- Out-of-State:$6,000
- Net Price: $7,225
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 4,399
- Undergrad Students: 4,399
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,900
- Student-to-faculty: 25:1
Holmes Community College
Score: 75.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,510
- Out-of-State:$6,210
- Net Price: $7,280
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 44%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 4,948
- Undergrad Students: 4,948
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $30,200
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Coahoma Community College
Score: 75.06
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,490
- Out-of-State:$3,490
- Net Price: $734
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 1,783
- Undergrad Students: 1,783
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $23,400
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Meridian Community College
Score: 73.7
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,932
- Out-of-State:$5,992
- Net Price: $6,884
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 2,621
- Undergrad Students: 2,621
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $29,700
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Northeast Mississippi Community College
Score: 72.96
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,770
- Out-of-State:$8,050
- Net Price: $9,867
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 52%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 3,062
- Undergrad Students: 3,062
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,800
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Top 15 Best Bachelor's Programs in Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Score: 86.03
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,412
- Out-of-State:$26,980
- Net Price: $14,289
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 22,300
- Undergrad Students: 17,302
- Graduate Students: 4,998
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Mississippi State University
Score: 85.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,815
- Out-of-State:$26,580
- Net Price: $15,364
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 22,649
- Undergrad Students: 18,305
- Graduate Students: 4,344
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
William Carey University
Score: 81.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,685
- Out-of-State:$14,685
- Net Price: $15,271
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 5,662
- Undergrad Students: 3,291
- Graduate Students: 2,371
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Alcorn State University
Score: 80.16
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,549
- Out-of-State:$8,549
- Net Price: $14,864
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 2,933
- Undergrad Students: 2,431
- Graduate Students: 502
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Mississippi College
Score: 78.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,698
- Out-of-State:$21,698
- Net Price: $20,874
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 3,946
- Undergrad Students: 2,396
- Graduate Students: 1,550
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Southern Mississippi
Score: 75.8
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,618
- Out-of-State:$11,618
- Net Price: $14,427
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 13,526
- Undergrad Students: 10,258
- Graduate Students: 3,268
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Delta State University
Score: 74.96
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,605
- Out-of-State:$8,605
- Net Price: $14,138
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 2,556
- Undergrad Students: 1,889
- Graduate Students: 667
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Mississippi University for Women
Score: 74.7
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,092
- Out-of-State:$8,092
- Net Price: $12,691
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 2,339
- Undergrad Students: 2,080
- Graduate Students: 259
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Tougaloo College
Score: 74.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,398
- Out-of-State:$11,398
- Net Price: $13,718
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 677
- Undergrad Students: 657
- Graduate Students: 20
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Millsaps College
Score: 73.73
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,815
- Out-of-State:$43,815
- Net Price: $27,260
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 661
- Undergrad Students: 627
- Graduate Students: 34
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Belhaven University
Score: 72.38
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $29,195
- Out-of-State:$29,195
- Net Price: $19,794
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 3,627
- Undergrad Students: 1,501
- Graduate Students: 2,126
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Jackson State University
Score: 70.38
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,090
- Out-of-State:$10,110
- Net Price: $15,292
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 6,906
- Undergrad Students: 4,927
- Graduate Students: 1,979
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Rust College
Score: 70.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,840
- Out-of-State:$13,840
- Net Price: $8,151
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 25%
- Total Enrollment: 755
- Undergrad Students: 755
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
Mississippi Valley State University
Score: 66.24
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,912
- Out-of-State:$7,912
- Net Price: $11,598
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 26%
- Total Enrollment: 1,879
- Undergrad Students: 1,654
- Graduate Students: 225
- Grads Salary: $58,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Blue Mountain Christian University
Score: 60.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,280
- Out-of-State:$19,280
- Net Price: $15,305
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 922
- Undergrad Students: 892
- Graduate Students: 30
- Grads Salary: $47,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Top 15 Best Master's Programs in Mississippi
University of Mississippi
Score: 88.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,412
- Out-of-State:$26,980
- Net Price: $14,289
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 22,300
- Undergrad Students: 17,302
- Graduate Students: 4,998
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Mississippi State University
Score: 87.77
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,815
- Out-of-State:$26,580
- Net Price: $15,364
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 22,649
- Undergrad Students: 18,305
- Graduate Students: 4,344
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
William Carey University
Score: 83.46
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,685
- Out-of-State:$14,685
- Net Price: $15,271
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 5,662
- Undergrad Students: 3,291
- Graduate Students: 2,371
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Alcorn State University
Score: 82.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,549
- Out-of-State:$8,549
- Net Price: $14,864
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 2,933
- Undergrad Students: 2,431
- Graduate Students: 502
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Mississippi College
Score: 79.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,698
- Out-of-State:$21,698
- Net Price: $20,874
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 3,946
- Undergrad Students: 2,396
- Graduate Students: 1,550
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Southern Mississippi
Score: 78.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,618
- Out-of-State:$11,618
- Net Price: $14,427
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 13,526
- Undergrad Students: 10,258
- Graduate Students: 3,268
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Delta State University
Score: 77.37
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,605
- Out-of-State:$8,605
- Net Price: $14,138
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 2,556
- Undergrad Students: 1,889
- Graduate Students: 667
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Mississippi University for Women
Score: 77.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,092
- Out-of-State:$8,092
- Net Price: $12,691
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 2,339
- Undergrad Students: 2,080
- Graduate Students: 259
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Tougaloo College
Score: 76.96
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,398
- Out-of-State:$11,398
- Net Price: $13,718
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 677
- Undergrad Students: 657
- Graduate Students: 20
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Millsaps College
Score: 73.88
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,815
- Out-of-State:$43,815
- Net Price: $27,260
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 661
- Undergrad Students: 627
- Graduate Students: 34
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Belhaven University
Score: 73.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $29,195
- Out-of-State:$29,195
- Net Price: $19,794
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 3,627
- Undergrad Students: 1,501
- Graduate Students: 2,126
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Jackson State University
Score: 72.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,090
- Out-of-State:$10,110
- Net Price: $15,292
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 6,906
- Undergrad Students: 4,927
- Graduate Students: 1,979
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Mississippi Valley State University
Score: 69.08
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,912
- Out-of-State:$7,912
- Net Price: $11,598
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 26%
- Total Enrollment: 1,879
- Undergrad Students: 1,654
- Graduate Students: 225
- Grads Salary: $58,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Blue Mountain Christian University
Score: 62.33
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,280
- Out-of-State:$19,280
- Net Price: $15,305
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 922
- Undergrad Students: 892
- Graduate Students: 30
- Grads Salary: $47,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Strayer University-Mississippi
Score: 3.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,920
- Out-of-State:$13,920
- Net Price: N/A
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 29%
- Graduation Rate: N/A
- Total Enrollment: 302
- Undergrad Students: 277
- Graduate Students: 25
- Grads Salary: N/A
- Student-to-faculty: 41:1
Scholarships for Mississippi College Students
Mississippi has an extensive program to prepare students for college and to support them with grants and scholarships. The state has four programs that operate to reach nearly every student. Some are merit-based while all have needs as a basic criterion. Students must qualify for the state programs by succeeding in high school as students that can manage a core curriculum of math, science, reading, and language. They must complete the core coursework and obtain sufficient scores on the standardized tests to qualify for the grants and scholarships offered through by Mississippi.
The State of Mississippi is a source of grant and scholarship funds for students that reside in Mississippi and seek to attend a public or private college or university in the state. The colleges and universities each offer scholarships and many have needs-based selection criteria. Scholarships are important to students that cannot easily pay the costs of college education. Grants and scholarships do not add to the student’s educational debt.
GUM
Gear Up Mississippi
https://www.msfinancialaid.org/
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: March 31
Students that participate in the GEAR UP high school program (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) can qualify for the GEAR UP Scholarship. The application period is January 1 through March 31. The general qualifications are Mississippi residency with a custodial parent or guardian that is also a state resident. Applicants must have clear criminal records and participation in the GEAR UP in grades 9-12. Applicants must be Pell grant eligible and graduated from a GEAR UP high School.
TMS
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc. Scholarship
https://www.ffa.org/participate/grants-and-scholarships/local-engagement-programs-scholarships/
Amount: $2,500 (10 Awards)
Deadline: February 6
The program supports students pursuing a four-year degree in agricultural engineering or agricultural science/technology. Residents of Mississippi are eligible and must provide proof of residence. The selection criteria emphasize activity in community and extracurricular activities. Students must complete the financial analysis. The program will favor those with the greatest financial need. The level of need can add selection weight If the major criteria between potential applicants are roughly equal.
Top Social Services Careers and Salaries