Rankings / By State

Best Bachelor's Programs in Mississippi

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 15 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$42,696

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

47%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$17,512

Avg. Net Price

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Mississippi is home to a range of bachelor's programs that offer students different paths to success. With an average earning potential of $42,696 for graduates in the state, families are understandably focused on which schools can deliver the best outcomes. The decision may feel overwhelming, but this list of top schools aims to clarify options based on real data.

What sets the stronger institutions apart in this ranking are their graduation rates, earnings, and manageable debt levels. Schools like the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University show higher earnings and completion rates compared to others on the list. For example, the University of Mississippi has a graduation rate of 70% and average earnings of $50,994, making it a standout in the context of Mississippi's higher education landscape.

Looking at specific examples, the University of Mississippi's average earnings exceed those of Delta State University by nearly $9,000, despite both schools having similar net prices. This raises important questions about value and return on investment—considering graduation rates and potential debt levels alongside earnings can significantly impact your choice. Understanding these trade-offs helps in making an informed decision as you weigh these schools against your personal goals and financial situation.

Key Findings

University of Mississippi graduates earn an average of $50,994, the highest in the state.

Mississippi State University has a graduation rate of 65%, slightly below the University of Mississippi.

Delta State University has a lower average earning of $41,991, despite a similar net price to other schools.

Mississippi University for Women has the lowest graduation rate at 42%, impacting long-term earning potential.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 15

Avg. earnings at 10yr $42,696

Avg. graduation rate 47%

Avg. net price $17,512

Avg. median debt $23,821

How We Ranked

Bachelor's programs in Mississippi ranked by outcomes and mobility

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

University of Mississippi

University, MS

Graduation70%

Earnings$50,994

Net Price$13,314

View full profile →

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS

Graduation65%

Earnings$51,513

Net Price$17,595

View full profile →

Mississippi University for Women

Columbus, MS

Graduation42%

Earnings$46,128

Net Price$12,411

View full profile →

Featured Programs From Accredited Schools

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Full Rankings

University of Mississippi

University, MS · 21,473 students · Public

With a large student body of over 21,000, the University of Mississippi fosters a vibrant campus life that can be appealing to many students. The school’s 70% graduation rate reflects a supportive environment where students are encouraged to succeed and thrive academically.

97% accepted 70% graduate $50,994 earnings

University's full profile

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS · 18,397 students · Public

Mississippi State University, home to nearly 18,400 students, is known for its strong emphasis on research and agriculture. The school’s graduation rate of 65% suggests that while there may be challenges, many students find their path to completion and success.

78% accepted 65% graduate $51,513 earnings

Mississippi's full profile

Mississippi University for Women

Columbus, MS · 1,605 students · Public

The Mississippi University for Women is a unique institution that caters primarily to women, with a smaller student body of about 1,605. Despite its smaller size, the university offers a close-knit community, though its graduation rate of 42% indicates that some students may struggle to complete their degrees.

90% accepted 42% graduate $46,128 earnings

Mississippi's full profile

William Carey University

Hattiesburg, MS · 2,201 students · Private nonprofit

William Carey University, a private nonprofit institution in Hattiesburg, hosts around 2,201 students and emphasizes a nurturing educational environment. With a graduation rate of 51%, the university strikes a balance between academic rigor and support, helping students to navigate their educational journeys.

60% accepted 51% graduate $43,087 earnings

William's full profile

Delta State University

Cleveland, MS · 1,620 students · Public

With a 100% acceptance rate, Delta State University welcomes all students who meet the basic requirements, creating an inclusive environment for those starting their higher education journey. The small campus in Cleveland, Mississippi, hosts around 1,620 students, allowing for a close-knit community where individuals can form lasting connections and receive personalized attention from faculty.

100% accepted 47% graduate $41,991 earnings

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS · 10,075 students · Public

Located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the University of Southern Mississippi serves over 10,000 students, fostering a diverse and vibrant academic community. With a graduation rate of 50%, the university combines a range of programs to support students in reaching their goals while offering a campus life full of opportunities for involvement and growth.

99% accepted 50% graduate $44,140 earnings

University's full profile

Mississippi College

Clinton, MS · 2,518 students · Private nonprofit

Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, offers a welcoming environment to about 2,518 students, with a higher graduation rate of 61%. The college emphasizes a blend of academic excellence and Christian values, making it an attractive option for students seeking a faith-integrated education while preparing for their future careers.

29% accepted 61% graduate $47,485 earnings

Mississippi's full profile

Belhaven University

Jackson, MS · 1,471 students · Private nonprofit

With a student body of just 1,471, Belhaven University in Jackson, MS, fosters a close-knit community where personalized attention is a priority. The school sees about half of its students graduating, and the median earnings for graduates a decade after enrollment reach $46,440, indicating a solid return on investment for many.

50% accepted 50% graduate $46,440 earnings

Belhaven's full profile

Millsaps College

Jackson, MS · 549 students · Private nonprofit

Millsaps College is another gem located in Jackson, MS, where a smaller student body of 549 allows for intimate classes and strong faculty relationships. With a graduation rate of 56%, students here benefit from a supportive atmosphere, and the median earnings at ten years post-graduation are $53,848, highlighting the potential for a lucrative career path.

43% accepted 56% graduate $53,848 earnings

Millsaps's full profile

#10

Mississippi Valley State University

Itta Bena, MS · 1,439 students · Public

Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS, presents a unique opportunity, especially for students seeking accessibility with a generous acceptance rate of 92%. However, the graduation rate of just 24% raises questions about the support systems in place for students, and the median earnings of $31,919 ten years after graduation reflect the challenges faced by many graduates in the job market.

92% accepted 24% graduate $31,919 earnings

Mississippi's full profile

#11

Rust College

Holly Springs, MS · 467 students · Private nonprofit

Rust College, with a student population of 467, emphasizes a personalized educational experience that can be hard to find at larger institutions. This focus can help students build strong relationships with faculty and peers, which is crucial for academic and personal growth during college years.

49% accepted 17% graduate $32,275 earnings

Blue Mountain Christian University

Blue Mountain, MS · 498 students · Private nonprofit

Blue Mountain Christian University, a private nonprofit institution in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, is home to around 498 students, creating an intimate academic setting. With a graduation rate of 53%, the university emphasizes personal attention and support, encouraging students to engage deeply with their studies and faith-based community.

89% accepted 53% graduate $40,421 earnings

Jackson State University

Jackson, MS · 4,600 students · Public

Jackson State University, located in Mississippi's capital city, has a vibrant and diverse student population of around 4,600. This public institution is known for its strong emphasis on community engagement and research, providing students with ample opportunities to make their mark both academically and socially.

93% accepted 41% graduate $39,060 earnings

Jackson's full profile

#14

Tougaloo College

Tougaloo, MS · 639 students · Private nonprofit

With a student body of just 639, Tougaloo College fosters a close-knit community where students can form lasting connections. This private nonprofit institution is known for its commitment to social justice and community engagement, making it an appealing choice for those passionate about making a difference in the world around them.

60% accepted 33% graduate $34,724 earnings

Tougaloo's full profile

#15

Alcorn State University

Alcorn State, MS · 2,363 students · Public

Alcorn State University offers a vibrant campus life in Alcorn State, MS, with a diverse student body of 2,363. The graduation rate of 51% suggests that students here are navigating their academic journeys with some success, and the median earnings for graduates ten years out are $36,421, which reflects a decent earning potential for many.

45% accepted 51% graduate $36,421 earnings

Alcorn's full profile

When comparing schools like Mississippi State University and Mississippi University for Women, the difference in outcomes is stark. Mississippi State boasts an average earning potential of $51,513, while Mississippi University for Women lags behind at $46,128, reflecting a significant gap in post-graduation success.

As you evaluate these schools, think about what's most important for your future. Consider factors like program fit, campus culture, and financial implications. Do not just focus on the numbers; visiting campuses or talking to current students can provide insights that data alone cannot.

This data emphasizes the critical role that educational choices play in shaping one’s financial future. With average earnings varying significantly among these schools, families must carefully consider how their investment in education will translate into real-world stability. Every decision made today influences not just immediate outcomes but the long-term trajectory of one's career and life.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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