Best Colleges in Mississippi: Top-Ranked Universities (2025)

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:

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:

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.

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!