Rankings / By State
Best Education Colleges in Mississippi
- 16
- Schools
- $39,662
- Avg. Earnings
- 46%
- Avg. Graduation
- $14,154
- Avg. Net Price
- $19,396
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $31,241 at the low end to $51,513 at the top. That 1.6× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Copiah-Lincoln Community College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $31,241 against $3,894 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is Copiah-Lincoln Community College, at $3,894 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: University of Mississippi graduates 70% of its students, well above the 46% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Itawamba Community College: graduates owe only 0.23× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to William Carey University ($43,087 earnings), not the highest earner, Mississippi State University ($51,513). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Copiah-Lincoln Community College ($3,894/yr) and Mississippi Christian University ($27,712/yr) produce graduates earning $31,241 and $47,485 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $23,818 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Copiah-Lincoln Community College outperforms Mississippi State University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with Copiah-Lincoln Community College and University of Mississippi. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
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 $40K 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 William Carey University #1 overall | $43,087 ▲ +9% vs avg | $14,258 | 51% | 80 |
| 2 Delta State University #2 overall | $41,991 ▲ +6% vs avg | $13,540 | 47% | 75 |
| 3 University of Mississippi #3 overall | $50,994 ▲ +29% vs avg | $13,314 | 70% | 72 |
| $31,241 ▼ -21% vs avg | $3,894 | 51% | 71 | |
| $51,513 ▲ +30% vs avg | $17,595 | 65% | 71 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Education Colleges in Mississippi
This analysis ranks 16 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $39,662 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 46% and an average net price of $14,154.
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: Mississippi State University — Median alumni earnings: $51,513
Data Insight
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Educator Pipeline Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the educator pipeline?
$39,741
Median earnings (10yr)
48%
Median graduation rate
$13,427
Median net price
2.3%
Avg. mobility rate
Society needs more teachers than it is producing, yet pay and working conditions make retention a persistent problem. Education programs are the gateway to the profession. The best of them pair pedagogical training with strong clinical practice and placement networks that keep graduates in the profession.
The median graduation rate across these 16 schools is 48%. Median graduate earnings reach $39,741 ten years after enrollment. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $13,427 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $20,611. Some 44% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 2.3%.
In education, low debt matters as much as a solid paycheck. Graduates earn a median of $39,741 against a typical net price of $13,427. That ratio makes cost-conscious program selection essential in a profession with modest pay and a public mission.
The podium
Build your ranking
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
William Carey University lands at #1 with a 80/100 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, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,258 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 #2
Delta State University lands at #2 with a 75/100 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, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,540 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 #3
University of Mississippi lands at #3 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, 29% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,314 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 #4
Copiah-Lincoln Community College lands at #4 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, 21% 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 #5
Mississippi State University lands at #5 with a 71/100 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, 30% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,595 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 #6
Mississippi University for Women lands at #6 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $46,128 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,411 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
Rust College lands at #7 with a 69/100 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, 19% 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 #8
Itawamba Community College lands at #8 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $32,912 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,616 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 #9
University of Southern Mississippi lands at #9 with a 67/100 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, 11% 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 #10
Holmes Community College lands at #10 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (61/100). Graduates earn a median $32,922 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,643 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 #11
East Mississippi Community College lands at #11 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $33,772 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,608 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Blue Mountain, MS · 89% accepted · $24,016 net
Why it ranks #12
Blue Mountain Christian University lands at #12 with a 64/100 composite, led by academic quality (64/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $40,421 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,016 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 #13
Jackson State University lands at #13 with a 63/100 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, 2% 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 #14
Mississippi Valley State University lands at #14 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, 20% 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Tougaloo College lands at #15 with a 57/100 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, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,043 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 #16
Mississippi Christian University lands at #16 with a 56/100 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, 20% 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 16 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
When considering colleges for education programs in Mississippi, prospective students and their families look for schools that provide solid outcomes and opportunities. This list highlights 15 institutions that excel in preparing future educators, with an average earnings figure of $40,154 after graduation.
What sets the best education colleges apart is not just their program offerings but the tangible outcomes they deliver. Metrics like earnings after graduation, graduation rates, student debt, and overall completion rates play a crucial role in evaluating these institutions. Understanding how these factors interact can help students make informed choices about where to invest their time and resources.
Take William Carey University and the University of Mississippi, for example. While both schools have competitive graduation rates—51% and 70% respectively—there's a notable difference in average earnings, with the University of Mississippi graduates earning about $50,994 compared to William Carey’s $43,087. This contrast illustrates the trade-offs students face when choosing their education path.
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 13 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.3%. 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 Jackson State University (3%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 23% 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 12.2% across the list, peaking at 23.7% at University of Mississippi.
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 0.99, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and University of Mississippi is highest at 1.44.
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
There's an interesting trend when we compare the earnings potential and graduation rates of our top schools. The University of Mississippi stands out with a graduation rate of 70% and an average earnings figure of $50,994. In contrast, Delta State University has a lower graduation rate of 47% and slightly less competitive earnings at $41,991. This highlights the importance of not just choosing a school based on cost but also considering the long-term benefits of a degree from an institution with better outcomes.
As you sift through the options, think about what matters most to you. Are you prioritizing low tuition, or are you willing to invest more for higher earnings after graduation? Look into the specific education programs offered, campus culture, and location as these factors can significantly impact your college experience. Make a list of your top priorities and align them with the data presented here to make the best decision.
Ultimately, the data points to a clear reality: the right education program can set the foundation for a stable career. For many families, choosing the right school means weighing immediate costs against future earnings potential. As you consider your options, remember that each choice shapes a path to financial stability and personal growth.
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 Education Colleges in Mississippi: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Education Colleges in Mississippi ranking? +
William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Education Colleges in Mississippi ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $43,087 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 51% 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? +
Mississippi State University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $51,513 ten years after enrollment, well above the $39,662 average across the 16 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 46% 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 $14,154 a year across the 16 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 Education 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 16 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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