Rankings / By State

Best Master'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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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.

Key Findings

University of Mississippi graduates earn $50,994, which is the highest on this list.

Mississippi State University has a graduation rate of 65%, indicating a solid completion rate.

Mississippi University for Women's net price is $12,411, making it one of the more affordable options.

Delta State University graduates have an average debt of $20,390, which is significant compared to its earnings.

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

Master's programs in Mississippi ranked by graduate outcomes

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

Accredited schools accepting applicants in this field.

Full Rankings

University of Mississippi

University, MS · 21,473 students · Public

With a welcoming acceptance rate of 97%, the University of Mississippi is a great choice for students looking for a diverse community. The campus boasts a vibrant student life, with over 200 student organizations and a strong athletic program, making it easy to find your niche and get involved.

97% accepted 70% graduate $50,994 earnings

University's full profile

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS · 18,397 students · Public

Mississippi State University serves a sizable student body of nearly 18,400, offering a robust educational experience across various disciplines. With a strong engineering and agricultural program, students here benefit from hands-on opportunities that prepare them well for the workforce or further study.

78% accepted 65% graduate $51,513 earnings

Mississippi's full profile

Mississippi University for Women

Columbus, MS · 1,605 students · Public

With a focus on empowering women through education, Mississippi University for Women is a unique institution that emphasizes personal growth and leadership. The smaller campus of about 1,600 students fosters close-knit relationships between faculty and students, allowing for tailored academic support and mentorship.

90% accepted 42% graduate $46,128 earnings

Mississippi's full profile

William Carey University

Hattiesburg, MS · 2,201 students · Private nonprofit

At William Carey University, students can expect a close-knit community with a focus on holistic education and service. The university has a strong commitment to developing leadership skills and encouraging civic engagement, making it a good fit for those who want to make an impact in their communities.

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 is an accessible option for many students seeking higher education in Mississippi. The small campus atmosphere, with just 1,620 students, encourages close-knit relationships and support among peers and faculty, making it an inviting place for those looking to thrive in a communal environment.

100% accepted 47% graduate $41,991 earnings

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS · 10,075 students · Public

The University of Southern Mississippi stands as a vibrant hub for over 10,000 students, creating a dynamic environment for academic and personal growth. With a graduation rate of 50%, it provides a supportive infrastructure for students to successfully attain their degrees while fostering a sense of community in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

99% accepted 50% graduate $44,140 earnings

University's full profile

Mississippi College

Clinton, MS · 2,518 students · Private nonprofit

Mississippi College provides a solid educational foundation with a 61% graduation rate, reflecting its dedication to student success. With 2,518 students, the college fosters a more personalized experience compared to larger universities, making it an attractive option for students who value individual attention and mentorship.

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 1,471, Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi, focuses on a community-oriented approach to education. Half of the students here graduate, which reflects a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

50% accepted 50% graduate $46,440 earnings

Belhaven's full profile

Millsaps College

Jackson, MS · 549 students · Private nonprofit

Millsaps College, a smaller institution with 549 students, offers a close-knit environment where students can engage deeply with their studies. The school's graduation rate is 56%, suggesting that their tailored approach helps students succeed in completing their degrees.

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, Mississippi, is known for its inclusivity, with a staggering acceptance rate of 92%. However, the graduation rate of just 24% highlights a challenge that prospective students should consider. This school could be a good fit for those seeking a supportive environment to navigate their college journey.

92% accepted 24% graduate $31,919 earnings

Mississippi's full profile

#11

Rust College

Holly Springs, MS · 467 students · Private nonprofit

In Holly Springs, Rust College focuses on nurturing a close-knit academic environment that encourages personal growth and leadership. With an acceptance rate of 49% and 71% of its students receiving Pell Grants, the college actively seeks to empower students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

49% accepted 17% graduate $32,275 earnings

Blue Mountain Christian University

Blue Mountain, MS · 498 students · Private nonprofit

Blue Mountain Christian University offers a unique, faith-based education in a small setting, with just 498 students. This intimate environment encourages collaboration and personal relationships among students and faculty, ideal for those seeking a supportive community centered around shared values and beliefs.

89% accepted 53% graduate $40,421 earnings

Jackson State University

Jackson, MS · 4,600 students · Public

Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, serves as a hub of opportunity for its large student population of 4,600. The university focuses on fostering academic excellence and has a diverse array of programs, making it a great fit for students from various backgrounds, especially with 72% of its students receiving Pell Grants.

93% accepted 41% graduate $39,060 earnings

Jackson's full profile

#14

Tougaloo College

Tougaloo, MS · 639 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Tougaloo, Mississippi, this private nonprofit college has a strong commitment to social justice and community engagement. With a diverse student body, 63% of whom are Pell Grant recipients, the college emphasizes accessibility and support for underrepresented groups in higher education.

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, located in Alcorn State, Mississippi, serves a diverse group of 2,363 students and emphasizes access to education for all. The graduation rate is 51%, demonstrating a commitment to supporting students through to their degrees in a community that values persistence and growth.

45% accepted 51% graduate $36,421 earnings

Alcorn's full profile

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

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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