Best Colleges in Mississippi: Top-Ranked Universities (2025)
Educate, Elevate, Excel in Mississippi!
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Mississippi probably isn’t the first place that pops into your head when you think of top-tier colleges. But here’s the thing: it absolutely should be. This state is home to some seriously underrated schools that combine academic strength, small-town charm, and tuition that won’t wreck your bank account.
Whether you’re chasing football Saturdays at Ole Miss, hands-on research at Mississippi State, or the close-knit vibes of Millsaps College, there’s something here for every kind of student. You’ll find a mix of big public universities, historic HBCUs, and affordable private colleges that actually care about your success, not just your GPA.
And in 2025? Mississippi is stepping up.
Schools across the state are offering more competitive programs, better scholarships, and stronger student support than ever before. This list of colleges is your starting point for discovering the best colleges in Mississippi that are the right fit for you.
We’re breaking down everything: the top colleges in Mississippi, which ones are the most affordable, who’s got the best nursing or business programs, and even which towns are the best to live in while you’re there. So, whether you're local, out-of-state, or just curious, let's dive into what makes the Mississippi best colleges worth checking out.
Top Public Colleges in Mississippi
Public colleges in Mississippi? Honestly, they’re kind of killing it.
If you’re looking for that classic big-campus energy, think Division I sports, research labs, and dorms full of people who’ll either become your best friends or steal your snacks, Mississippi’s public universities have got you. And here's the bonus: tuition here is generally way lower than the national average.
Here are some of the top public colleges in Mississippi you should have on your radar:
| College Name | Location | In-State Tuition (2024-2025) | Out-of-State Tuition (2024-2025) | Acceptance Rate | Notable Programs/Rankings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) | Oxford, MS | $9,772 | $28,600 | 97% | #171 National Universities (U.S. News 2025), Medicine, Pharmacy, Strong Greek Life, R1 Research Institution |
Mississippi State University | Starkville, MS | $10,030 | $27,360 | 76% | #1 Public College in MS (Academic Influence 2024), Engineering, Forestry, Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine |
| University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg, MS | $9,618 | $11,618 | 99% | Nursing, Business, Education, Rises in Best Education Schools (U.S. News) |
| Jackson State University | Jackson, MS | $8,795 | $9,795 | 89% | Historically Black College (HBCU), Business, Education, Largest HBCU in MS |
| Mississippi University for Women (The W) | Columbus, MS | $8,092 | $8,092 | 99% | #15 Top Public Schools in the South (U.S. News 2025), Nursing, Public Health, Low Student Debt |
| Delta State University | Cleveland, MS | $8,605 | $8,605 | 99% | Nursing, Education, Business, Liberal Arts |
| Alcorn State University | Lorman, MS | $8,549 | $8,549 | 30% | Historically Black College (HBCU), Agriculture, Nursing, Oldest HBCU Land-Grant Institution |
| Mississippi Valley State University | Itta Bena, MS | $7,912 | $7,912 | 65% | Education, Social Work, HBCU, Low Tuition Costs |
Note: Please check the university site for any updated information
Top Private Colleges in Mississippi
Private colleges in Mississippi don’t always get the spotlight, but they totally should.
If you're into smaller classes, professors who actually know your name, and campuses that feel like a community rather than chaos, you're in the right place. Places like Millsaps, Belhaven, and Mississippi College are quietly crushing it. Whether you want pre-med, artsy vibes, or something faith-based, the best private colleges in Mississippi offer way more than just degrees. Schools like Tougaloo and Rust College have a legacy and purpose.
And yeah, they may not have giant stadiums, but they’ve got heart, and that matters. When it comes to the best colleges in Mississippi, don’t sleep on these smaller schools. They might just be your perfect fit.
Here are some of the top private colleges in Mississippi you should have on your radar:
| College Name | Location | Tuition (2024-2025) | Acceptance Rate | Notable Programs/Rankings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi College | Clinton, MS | $22,352 | 49% | #1 Best Private College in MS (Niche 2024), Law, Nursing, Business, Physician Assistant |
William Carey University | Hattiesburg, MS | $14,760 | 57% | #1 Top Private University in MS (Niche 2024), Nursing, Education, Online Programs |
| Millsaps College | Jackson, MS | $43,760 | 68% | #3 Best Liberal Arts College in MS (Academic Influence 2024), Business, Pre-Med, Small Class Sizes |
| Belhaven University | Jackson, MS | $29,195 | 64% | #4 Top Private University in MS (Niche 2024), Arts, Business, Christian Ministry, Online Programs |
| Tougaloo College | Tougaloo, MS | $10,384 | 56% | Historically Black College (HBCU), Biology, Education, Social Sciences, Low Net Price |
| Blue Mountain College | Blue Mountain, MS | $19,600 | 99% | Education, Business, Christian Ministry, Affordable Tuition |
| Rust College | Holly Springs, MS | $10,000 | 79% | Historically Black College (HBCU), Biology, Business, Oldest HBCU in MS (Founded 1866) |
Note: Please check the university site for any updated information
Best Colleges in Mississippi for Specific Programs 2025
Okay, so you’re not just picking a college, you’re basically picking your future.
No big deal, right? (Wrong. It’s a huge deal.)
But here’s the thing: some of the best colleges in Mississippi totally crush it in specific programs, even if they’re not always on the Ivy League radar. Want to be a nurse, an engineer, a teacher, or a Broadway star? There’s a college here that does that really well. So skip the guesswork.
We put together a list that tells you exactly which top colleges in Mississippi are actually best for what you want to do.
| Program Area | Best Mississippi College/University | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing | University of Southern Mississippi | Strong clinical partnerships and affordable tuition |
| Business | University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) | AACSB-accredited and nationally ranked programs |
| Engineering | Mississippi State University | Major research focus and high job placement rates |
| Education | William Carey University | Known for teacher prep and graduate licensure programs |
| Performing Arts | Belhaven University | Accredited arts degrees in dance, music, and theater |
| Biology/Pre-Med | Millsaps College | Excellent med school acceptance rates and lab access |
| Agriculture | Alcorn State University | Land-grant HBCU with strong STEM and ag science programs |
Best College Towns in Mississippi
Not all college towns are created equal. Some have soul, others just have overpriced coffee and bad Wi-Fi. In Mississippi, though? You’ve got options that actually feel like home.
Oxford (home to Ole Miss) is your classic, Southern-chic college town, with bookstores, music, and food that’ll ruin chain restaurants for you forever. Starkville, where Mississippi State lives, has this low-key charm, friendly vibes, and more affordable off-campus housing than you'd expect for a school that size. Jackson brings the big-city energy, with cultural events, HBCU pride, and great local eats, though you’ll want to explore neighborhoods before locking in student housing. And Clinton, where Mississippi College is based, feels like the introvert’s dream, quiet, safe, and just enough happening to keep you sane.
So yeah, if you’re looking for the best college towns in Mississippi, these places don’t just support your degree, they make the whole college experience actually enjoyable.
What did we learn?
Mississippi's college landscape is not one-size-fits-all - it is a menu of choices. The big players like Ole Miss and Mississippi State are busy with anecdotes of research backing and football fame, but there also are hidden gems that are working their magic in places like Millsaps, Belhaven, and Tougaloo, and showing you what your future might be, quietly.
Whether you want the full experience of a university or the small college setting where you are more than a number, the best colleges in Mississippi provide you with choices - and good choices. They are affordable, sensible, and quite frankly, underrated. If you aren't sure yet where you want to go, that's okay too.
The right college for you might not be the biggest name. It could be the one that simply feels right the moment you step on campus. And maybe, just maybe, one of these top colleges in Mississippi is the starting point of your next great chapter!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the #1 college in Mississippi?
The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) is regarded as the best college in Mississippi based on academics, campus life, and the top-rated colleges in Mississippi.
What is the hardest college to get into in Mississippi?
Millsaps College is listed, most often, as the hardest college to get into with the best colleges in Mississippi, based on selective admission and tough academics.
What are the top 3 majors at Mississippi College?
Mississippi College's top 3 majors are nursing, business, and education. As the best colleges in Mississippi with career-ready programs, these three areas, in particular, are the jobs that Mississippi College teaches.
What are the 4 largest colleges or universities in Mississippi?
The four largest schools in Mississippi are the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Jackson State, and all are considered the best colleges in Mississippi.
Is Mississippi State a good college?
Yes, Mississippi State is usually considered one of the best colleges in Mississippi, particularly for engineering, agriculture, and research-based majors.