Rankings / By State
Best Biology Colleges in Mississippi
- 14
- Schools
- $41,796
- Avg. Earnings
- 48%
- Avg. Graduation
- $16,439
- Avg. Net Price
- $23,659
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 14 schools run from $31,241 to $53,848, a 1.7× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Copiah-Lincoln Community College delivers the most for the money: roughly $31,241 in median earnings against $3,894 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Copiah-Lincoln Community College is the lowest-cost school here at $3,894 a year in net price.
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University of Mississippi graduates 70% of its students, versus a 48% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Copiah-Lincoln Community College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.24× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- Copiah-Lincoln Community College costs $3,894 a year and Mississippi Christian University costs $27,712. Yet their graduates earn $31,241 and $47,485, nowhere near the $23,818 price gap.
- On value, Copiah-Lincoln Community College beats Millsaps College: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
- Graduation rates split the field: University of Mississippi finishes 70% of students while Rust College finishes 17%. Same ranking, very different odds of leaving with a degree.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Copiah-Lincoln Community College and University of Mississippi. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $43K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Millsaps College #1 overall | $53,848 ▲ +29% vs avg | $26,034 | 56% | 78 |
| 2 University of Mississippi #2 overall | $50,994 ▲ +22% vs avg | $13,314 | 70% | 72 |
| 3 Copiah-Lincoln Community College #3 overall | $31,241 ▼ -25% vs avg | $3,894 | 51% | 71 |
| $43,087 ▲ +3% vs avg | $14,258 | 51% | 70 | |
| $51,513 ▲ +23% vs avg | $17,595 | 65% | 70 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Biology Colleges in Mississippi
This analysis ranks 14 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $41,796 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 48% and an average net price of $16,439.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Copiah-Lincoln Community College — Net Price: $3,894 | Graduation Rate: 51%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Mississippi — 70% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Millsaps College — Median alumni earnings: $53,848
CollegeRanker Primary Research
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Mississippi Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in Mississippi?
$42,539
Median earnings (10yr)
50%
Median graduation rate
$14,967
Median net price
2.4%
Avg. mobility rate
Higher education is intensely local: most students enroll close to home and stay to work nearby, so a state's colleges are also its talent pipeline. This ranking looks at the mix of public and private institutions across Mississippi, asking who keeps graduates in-state, who delivers earnings against the local cost of living, and who moves residents up the income ladder.
Start with the medians across these 14 schools. Graduates earn a median of $42,539 ten years after enrollment. The median graduation rate is 50%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $14,967 a year with about $24,330 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 47% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 2.4%.
What we’re seeing: the schools that matter most for Mississippi pair affordability with outcomes that keep talent local. A median net price of $14,967 and median earnings of $42,539 show which institutions strengthen the regional economy rather than simply enrolling students.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Millsaps College lands at #1 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $53,848 a decade after enrolling, 29% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,034 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
University of Mississippi lands at #2 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (66/100). Graduates earn a median $50,994 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,314 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Copiah-Lincoln Community College lands at #3 with a 71/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (61/100). Graduates earn a median $31,241 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,894 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
William Carey University lands at #4 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (61/100). Graduates earn a median $43,087 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,258 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Mississippi State University lands at #5 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $51,513 a decade after enrolling, 23% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,595 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Delta State University lands at #6 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $41,991 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,540 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
University of Southern Mississippi lands at #7 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $44,140 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,708 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Rust College lands at #8 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (47/100). Graduates earn a median $32,275 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,587 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Belhaven University lands at #9 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $46,440 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,676 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Mississippi Valley State University lands at #10 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $31,919 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,686 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Jackson State University lands at #11 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $39,060 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,836 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Alcorn State University lands at #12 with a 59/100 composite, led by academic quality (54/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $36,421 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,265 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Mississippi Christian University lands at #13 with a 58/100 composite, led by academic quality (64/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $47,485 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,712 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Tougaloo College lands at #14 with a 58/100 composite, led by academic quality (60/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $34,724 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,043 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 14 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Biology programs in Mississippi offer a range of educational paths for students interested in the life sciences. With 15 schools on our list, these institutions provide diverse opportunities for aspiring biologists. The average earnings for graduates in this field stand at $40,859, highlighting the potential financial benefits of pursuing a biology degree in this state.
What sets the strongest schools apart in this ranking are key outcomes like graduation rates, average earnings, and debt levels. For example, the University of Mississippi leads with a 70% graduation rate and earnings of $50,994, indicating a robust program that prepares students well for their careers. As you review the list below, consider how these metrics reflect each school's ability to support students through their academic journey and into the workforce.
Take Millsaps College and Copiah-Lincoln Community College, for instance. Millsaps has an average earnings figure of $53,848, but comes with a higher net price of $26,034. In contrast, Copiah-Lincoln offers a much lower net price of $3,894, though its earnings are significantly lower at $31,241. This illustrates a tradeoff between immediate financial burden and potential long-term income, giving students critical factors to weigh when making their decision.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 11 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.4%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Mississippi Valley State University leads the group at 3.9%, with Copiah-Lincoln Community College (3.3%) and Belhaven University (3.2%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 19.9% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Mississippi Valley State University enrolls the most, at 45.5%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 16.2% across the list, peaking at 30.7% at Millsaps College.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.13, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Millsaps College is highest at 1.64.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Comparing Millsaps College and the University of Mississippi reveals important insights about their biology programs. While Millsaps offers higher average earnings at $53,848, it also comes with a significant debt load of $27,000. The University of Mississippi, on the other hand, provides a balance of a 70% graduation rate and lower debt of $20,000, which may lead to a more sustainable financial outcome for graduates.
After reviewing these schools, consider what's most important for your educational journey. Think about location, campus culture, and specific program strengths. If cost is a concern, a school like Copiah-Lincoln with lower net prices might be appealing. Conversely, if potential earnings are your priority, Millsaps College may be worth the investment despite higher costs.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue a biology degree can shape your path to career stability. As we see with the varying outcomes across these institutions, the right choice can lead to meaningful employment opportunities and financial success. One family's decision to choose a school with a strong graduation rate and lower debt could mean the difference between a comfortable career and financial strain.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Biology Colleges in Mississippi: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Biology Colleges in Mississippi ranking? +
Millsaps College in Jackson, MS ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Biology Colleges in Mississippi ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $53,848 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 56% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Millsaps College posts the highest median earnings on this list: $53,848 ten years after enrollment, well above the $41,796 average across the 14 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Copiah-Lincoln Community College leads: graduates earn a median $31,241 against net price of about $3,894 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Mississippi has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 70%, compared with a 48% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $16,439 a year across the 14 ranked schools with cost data. Copiah-Lincoln Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $3,894. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Biology Colleges in Mississippi ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 14 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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