# Best Colleges in Mississippi

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 29 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-mississippi

## Methodology

Composite score for institutions in Mississippi

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

When considering higher education in Mississippi, prospective students and families often look for schools that offer a balance of affordability and strong outcomes. With 29 institutions on our list, each has demonstrated potential for meaningful post-graduate success. The University of Mississippi stands out with an average earning potential of $50,994, showcasing what a degree from this institution can offer.

Not all colleges are created equal, and the differences in graduation rates, earnings, and debt levels can significantly impact a student's future. The average graduation rate among these 29 schools is 45%, with earnings averaging $37,829. This data highlights the importance of not only choosing a school that is affordable but also one that can provide a strong return on investment in terms of career opportunities.

For instance, the University of Mississippi has a graduation rate of 70%, which is significantly higher than Jones County Junior College at just 38%. While the financial commitment at Jones County is lower, with a net price of $6,048 compared to the University of Mississippi's $13,314, students may need to weigh the long-term earnings potential against immediate costs as they consider their options.

## Key Findings

- University of Mississippi graduates earn an average of $50,994.
- Copiah-Lincoln Community College has a net price of only $3,894.
- The average graduation rate for these schools is 45%.
- Jones County Junior College students face an average debt of $6,291.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [University of Mississippi](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-mississippi) | University, MS | 70% | $50,994 | $13,314 | $20,000 | 0.39x |
| 2 | [Mississippi University for Women](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mississippi-university-for-women) | Columbus, MS | 42% | $46,128 | $12,411 | $15,000 | 0.33x |
| 3 | [Mississippi State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mississippi-state-university) | Mississippi State, MS | 65% | $51,513 | $17,595 | $22,142 | 0.43x |
| 4 | [Copiah-Lincoln Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/copiah-lincoln-community-college) | Wesson, MS | 51% | $31,241 | $3,894 | $7,435 | 0.24x |
| 5 | [Itawamba Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/itawamba-community-college) | Fulton, MS | 48% | $32,912 | $4,616 | $7,631 | 0.23x |
| 6 | [William Carey University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/william-carey-university) | Hattiesburg, MS | 51% | $43,087 | $14,258 | $20,832 | 0.48x |
| 7 | [Pearl River Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pearl-river-community-college) | Poplarville, MS | 36% | $33,019 | $6,532 | $9,750 | 0.3x |
| 8 | [Jones County Junior College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/jones-county-junior-college) | Ellisville, MS | 38% | $33,377 | $6,048 | $6,291 | 0.19x |
| 9 | [Northeast Mississippi Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northeast-mississippi-community-college) | Booneville, MS | 35% | $34,081 | $8,343 | $9,722 | 0.29x |
| 10 | [Northwest Mississippi Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwest-mississippi-community-college) | Senatobia, MS | 44% | $36,396 | $7,911 | $6,500 | 0.18x |
| 11 | [East Central Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/east-central-community-college) | Decatur, MS | 38% | $32,421 | $5,240 | $5,500 | 0.17x |
| 12 | [Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mississippi-gulf-coast-community-college) | Perkinston, MS | 47% | $33,017 | $6,962 | $10,000 | 0.3x |
| 13 | [Holmes Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/holmes-community-college) | Goodman, MS | 42% | $32,922 | $5,643 | $9,274 | 0.28x |
| 14 | [Delta State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/delta-state-university) | Cleveland, MS | 47% | $41,991 | $13,540 | $20,390 | 0.49x |
| 15 | [Meridian Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/meridian-community-college) | Meridian, MS | 39% | $31,002 | $6,351 | $5,521 | 0.18x |
| 16 | [Millsaps College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/millsaps-college) | Jackson, MS | 56% | $53,848 | $26,034 | $27,000 | 0.5x |
| 17 | [University of Southern Mississippi](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-southern-mississippi) | Hattiesburg, MS | 50% | $44,140 | $21,708 | $22,500 | 0.51x |
| 18 | [Mississippi College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mississippi-college) | Clinton, MS | 61% | $47,485 | $27,712 | $22,500 | 0.47x |
| 19 | [Belhaven University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/belhaven-university) | Jackson, MS | 50% | $46,440 | $15,676 | $26,333 | 0.57x |
| 20 | [East Mississippi Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/east-mississippi-community-college) | Scooba, MS | 44% | $33,772 | $4,608 | $9,006 | 0.27x |
| 21 | [Hinds Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hinds-community-college) | Raymond, MS | 43% | $30,774 | $4,060 | $9,371 | 0.3x |
| 22 | [Mississippi Valley State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mississippi-valley-state-university) | Itta Bena, MS | 24% | $31,919 | $9,686 | $28,413 | 0.89x |
| 23 | [Rust College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rust-college) | Holly Springs, MS | 17% | $32,275 | $12,587 | $26,159 | 0.81x |
| 24 | [Jackson State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/jackson-state-university) | Jackson, MS | 41% | $39,060 | $23,836 | $30,470 | 0.78x |
| 25 | [Southwest Mississippi Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southwest-mississippi-community-college) | Summit, MS | 48% | $33,227 | $2,525 | N/A | N/A |
| 26 | [Blue Mountain Christian University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/blue-mountain-christian-university) | Blue Mountain, MS | 53% | $40,421 | $24,016 | $18,534 | 0.46x |
| 27 | [Tougaloo College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tougaloo-college) | Tougaloo, MS | 33% | $34,724 | $17,043 | $30,046 | 0.87x |
| 28 | [Alcorn State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/alcorn-state-university) | Alcorn State, MS | 51% | $36,421 | $13,265 | $27,000 | 0.74x |
| 29 | [Mississippi Delta Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mississippi-delta-community-college) | Moorhead, MS | 31% | $28,421 | $3,715 | N/A | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Colleges in Mississippi." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-mississippi

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.