Rankings / By State
Best Master's Programs in Mississippi
- 15
- Schools
- $42,696
- Avg. Earnings
- 47%
- Avg. Graduation
- $17,512
- Avg. Net Price
- $23,821
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 15 schools run from $31,919 to $53,848, a 1.7× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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University of Mississippi delivers the most for the money: roughly $50,994 in median earnings against $13,314 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Mississippi Valley State University is the lowest-cost school here at $9,686 a year in net price.
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University of Mississippi graduates 70% of its students, versus a 47% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Mississippi University for Women carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.33× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 University of Mississippi ($50,994 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Millsaps College ($53,848), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- Mississippi Valley State University costs $9,686 a year and Mississippi Christian University costs $27,712. Yet their graduates earn $31,919 and $47,485, nowhere near the $18,026 price gap.
- On value, University of Mississippi beats Millsaps College: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the 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 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 $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 University of Mississippi #1 overall | $50,994 ▲ +19% vs avg | $13,314 | 70% | 69 |
| 2 Mississippi State University #2 overall | $51,513 ▲ +21% vs avg | $17,595 | 65% | 66 |
| 3 Mississippi University for Women #3 overall | $46,128 ▲ +8% vs avg | $12,411 | 42% | 66 |
| $43,087 ▲ +1% vs avg | $14,258 | 51% | 64 | |
| $41,991 ▼ -2% vs avg | $13,540 | 47% | 63 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Master's Programs in Mississippi
This analysis ranks 15 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $42,696 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 47% and an average net price of $17,512.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Mississippi — Net Price: $13,314 | Graduation Rate: 70%
- 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?
$43,087
Median earnings (10yr)
50%
Median graduation rate
$15,676
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.
The median graduation rate across these 15 schools is 50%. Median graduate earnings reach $43,087 ten years after enrollment. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $15,676 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $22,500. Some 46% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 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 $15,676 and median earnings of $43,087 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
University of Mississippi lands at #1 with a 69/100 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, 19% 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 #2
Mississippi State University lands at #2 with a 66/100 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, 21% 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 #3
Mississippi University for Women lands at #3 with a 66/100 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, 8% 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 #4
William Carey University lands at #4 with a 64/100 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, 1% 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
Delta State University lands at #5 with a 63/100 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, 2% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
University of Southern Mississippi lands at #6 with a 61/100 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, 3% 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 #7
Belhaven University lands at #7 with a 61/100 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, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,676 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 #8
Millsaps College lands at #8 with a 61/100 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, 26% 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 #9
Mississippi Valley State University lands at #9 with a 56/100 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, 25% 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 #10
Rust College lands at #10 with a 55/100 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, 24% 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
Blue Mountain, MS · 89% accepted · $24,016 net
Why it ranks #11
Blue Mountain Christian University lands at #11 with a 53/100 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, 5% below 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 #12
Mississippi Christian University lands at #12 with a 53/100 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, 11% 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 #13
Jackson State University lands at #13 with a 53/100 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, 9% 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
Tougaloo College lands at #14 with a 51/100 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, 19% 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
Why it ranks #15
Alcorn State University lands at #15 with a 51/100 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, 15% 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 15 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing a master's program is a significant decision, especially in Mississippi, where options vary widely in outcomes. As you compare schools, consider that graduates here earn, on average, $42,696. This figure reflects the potential return on investment for your education.
What sets the top programs apart? Schools are ranked based on critical factors like earnings, graduation rates, debt levels, and, importantly, mobility for graduates. A higher graduation rate often correlates with better job opportunities, while lower debt can mean more financial freedom. The schools listed below each have unique strengths and weaknesses, so it's essential to look closely at the numbers.
For instance, the University of Mississippi leads with impressive earnings of $50,994 and a graduation rate of 70%. In contrast, Mississippi University for Women has lower earnings at $46,128 and a graduation rate of just 42%. This comparison highlights the tradeoffs between financial outcomes and completion rates, giving you insights into what might work best for your future.
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 Belhaven University (3.2%) and Jackson State University (3%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 18.4% 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 16.8% 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 1.17, 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
When examining the data, a clear trend emerges between the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University. While both schools offer strong programs, the University of Mississippi outshines with higher average earnings at $50,994 and a graduation rate of 70%, compared to Mississippi State's $51,513 earnings and 65% graduation rate. This suggests that while both schools provide good education, the University of Mississippi may offer better overall outcomes for its graduates.
After reviewing these programs, it's important to align the numbers with your personal priorities. Consider factors like location, program fit, campus culture, and financial implications. For example, if minimizing debt is crucial for you, Mississippi University for Women stands out with a lower net price of $12,411. Alternatively, if you prioritize earnings, the University of Mississippi may be more appealing despite its higher costs.
The data underscores the significance of making an informed choice about your education. With an average earning potential of around $42,696, a master's degree can pave the way for a stable future. Each family's decision will hinge on individual circumstances, but understanding these outcomes can guide you toward a more secure financial path.
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 Master's Programs in Mississippi: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Master's Programs in Mississippi ranking? +
University of Mississippi in University, MS ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Master's Programs in Mississippi ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $50,994 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 70% 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 $42,696 average across the 15 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, University of Mississippi leads: graduates earn a median $50,994 against net price of about $13,314 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 47% 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 $17,512 a year across the 15 ranked schools with cost data. Mississippi Valley State University is among the most affordable at roughly $9,686. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Master's Programs 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 15 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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